DESPITE repeated pledges to replace a Petersfield care home, nothing has been done with the site for almost two years.

Bulmer House off Rams Hill is owned by Hampshire County Council (HCC) who shut the 30-bed home in 2014, ignoring a petition calling for it be saved signed by hundred of Petersfield residents.

The council claimed it would cost too much to modernise the home, built in the 1970’s.

Closing it gained added urgency after Legionnaires Disease bacteria was found in the building on land formerly owned by Petersfield councillor Elsa Bulmer.

At the time the council said it was looking at doing a deal with a private company to build new care accommodation for the elderly there.

But the council now says changing financial regulation its making it hard to progress the rebuild, despite a wish to do so as soon as possible.

A council spokesman said: “Over the past year, the market for developing affordable specialist housing has been affected by a number of national policy changes, which have added additional barriers for providers to raise the financing for new schemes.

“The council is committed to the development of dementia friendly Extra-Care housing on the Bulmer House site, and is assessing the best way to ensure delivery of a new scheme within the changing market context.

“Bulmer House forms part of plans to develop purpose built, dementia friendly Extra-Care housing for older people.

“Extra-Care housing combines independent living with the security and flexibility of care staff available on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“It represents a better outcome for residents, which is why the council is investing up to £45m into the development of new schemes across the county.

“Based on the needs of local people, Petersfield represents a key strategic area for the council.

“When a new scheme is developed on the Bulmer House site, it will be important that residents are able to access the wider community, and that the community can make use of the facilities such a scheme can provide.”