A CARE home will be built at the historic Wood Norton Hall and the famous golden gates are to returned and installed as part of the approved plans.

After months of planning delays, including two deferrals by Wychavon District Council's planning committee, proposals to build a retirement community on the site of Wood Norton Hall were given a unanimous thumbs up on Thursday.

Richmond Care Villages Holdings plan to develop a close care retirement community of 60 care bedrooms, 45 care suites, 48 care apartments and a further building with 13 apartments on the part of the site previously used by the BBC.

As part of the proposals the historic golden gates, which once belonged to French Royalty, will be returned to the south entrance of the site.

The ornate metal structures are believed to originate from the Palace of Versailles in France but were damaged in August 2003 by a wedding guest at the hotel. They have been in the care of a Pershore blacksmith Steve Cooper ever since, who has returned them to their former glory.

The news of their return was of particular pleasure to councillor Richard La Sota.

He said: "I welcome the golden gates. I did make a point of that and then everyone seemed to ignore me and then I got this wonderful letter so I will support it."

In the past the plans for the care village have been deferred so the scheme could be amended and to allow the developers to work closely with the owner of the hotel, Jeremy Wrigley, who spoke at the meeting.

He said he welcomed the development, which would revamp an area described as "apocalyptic" by guests, but made a plea to "keep out business going" that work be restricted both by days and hours as well as piling, a method of construction, be done carefully with the hotel in mind.

Local member Cllr Charlie Homer said he was in support of the development but shared the concern of Mr Wrigley and hoped the business could be kept safe during the works.

Councillors threw their support behind the plans but under the condition that work hours would be restricted and piling be done carefully to avoid damaging the hotel and at times where there would be minimal impact on the guests.