CIVIC chiefs met to discuss the future of the site of a former Winchester care home which could cost the council over £6m to develop.

Cabinet members voted unanimously to demolish Victoria House on Victoria Road, to make way for a new development consisting of 27 new flats.

But some councillors voiced concerns over the cost of the scheme citing that they wanted confirmation of how the funds would be spent if agreed to at planning committee.

Cllr Stephen Godfrey said: “I’m very keen to have this scheme put forward quickly but I don’t think we can make a decision to spend £6.1m if there’s a lack of scrutiny on how it’s being spent.”

The proposal is for 18 rented and nine shared ownership flats to be developed together with undercroft car parking facilities.

The aim of the project is to free up larger council-owned family homes across the district.