THE developer behind a multi million pound project to turn Skipton's derelict Burnside House into luxury accommodation said he felt "moved" to see the first steps taken to restore the building to its former glory.

Work started just before Christmas to restore the fire-ravaged Victorian building, which was previously used as a children's home.

A crumbling red brick building on the site has been demolished and the house itself has been cleared and given a light sandblasting.

Tony Coupe, a partner in Barnoldswick-based Cawder Construction, said: "It's very exciting.

"The sandblasting took all the muck and black soot from the fire off and as I walked up to it when they had finished I felt like Mr Wilkinson (the original owner) must have done 200 years ago. It was quite moving."

Mr Coupe said the damage from the fire, which was started deliberately in 2003, had been "shameful", but the building was now a clean shell and ready for the next phase of work.

The developers will now stabilise the house, which they intend to sympathetically renovate, and put in the foundations for the new sections - a south wing and range of buildings to the rear.

When complete the Carleton Road site will be a luxurious complex of 39 homes for elderly residents.

Fifteen of these will be one bedroomed while 24 will have two bedrooms with fully equipped modern kitchens, bathrooms and lounges.

Goldsborough Estates, part of BUPA Care Services, will run the site and a management team will cater for residents' needs, such as making sure their post is delivered and tending to the communal gardens.

The complex will have CCTV and aid call systems.

The idea is that residents will have the satisfaction of living in their own homes, but have the peace of mind of on-site staff.

Mr Coupe told the Herald it was envisaged that part of the complex would be complete and ready for its first occupants in July or August this year.

Twelve months after this the whole scheme should be finished and it is likely there will be a grand opening.

Mr Coupe said he was grateful for the input of the town's civic society during the planning process.

He said the group had been keen that the new buildings did not detract from the main House.

"With their help and contribution the new build will blend in with it and promote it further," he explained.

Mr Coupe also praised the planners at Craven District Council and said everybody had been "singing from the same hymn sheet".

He added: "I think everyone is determined it's going to be right and this building should be something Skipton will be proud of."

Residents living around Burnside House are also set to benefit from the project.

As a condition of planning permission Cawder will give £20,000 towards refurbishing the recreation ground.

Craven District Council gave planning approval in August last year.

This was applauded by several local councillors and residents who were keen to see the derelict building, which had become a haven for vandals, put back to use.