A troubled hotel could be converted into a community centre if the scheme is given the go-ahead by planners.

The 14-bed Lord Eliot Hotel in Liskeard has stood empty for the past two years after local police and councillors acted over concerns about the way in which the premises were being run.

Now the Greenbank Christian Centre, a registered charity that already runs the Greenbank Centre in the town, is proposing the conversion of the hotel premises into a community and day centre to be operated by Greenbank Care – a domiciliary care agency, which would provide support services for the running of the day centre and create jobs for ten full-time professional carers.

Other charities and groups would be able to use the facilities which would include a conference room and offices.

The existing 60-cover restaurant would be kept with the aim of providing additional employment and bringing a facility for the town back into use.

Four residential units would be created within the existing buildings on the site, along with eight letting rooms.

An application for consent for the development was due to be considered by Cornwall Council's East Sub-Area planning committee yesterday and was recommended for approval by planning officers.