A FUNDING bid for 45 'extra care' flats at the site of a former Keighley school has been approved.

Bradford Council's bid for cash for the development at the old Bronte Middle plot has received the green light from the Homes and Community Agency.

The site has been derelict for years, following the restructuring of schooling in the district from three to two tiers.

A number of extra-care developments are being built to help cater for the district's rising elderly population.

The council says the future of its six remaining care homes for the elderly will be decided in the next financial year as it continues to move away from directly providing day care.

Four of its homes have shut since 2008, as the focus is instead put on services to allow people with conditions such as dementia to live more independent lives.

A report going to the health and social care scrutiny committee today says: “The council will be identifying and seeking to go out to consult on the future of a further home, home B, in 2015/16."

Home A was Harbourne Care Home in Wibsey, which was shut in January.

The council's remaining homes include Holmewood in Keighley, which recently underwent a £378,000 investment, and Thompson Court at Crossflatts.