THE sale of Herefordshire Council's former headquarters has been approved.

Two separate schemes are set to see Brockington, on Hafod Road, turned into a care home and a residential development of apartments and houses.

The council's cabinet member for Contracts and Assets, Cllr Harry Bramer, has approved the sale for £1.48m to Hereford-based IE Developments Ltd and Prime (UK) Developments Ltd, which is based in Worcester.

"We are delighted to report that contracts have now been exchanged on the land at Brockington," said Tim Evans, managing director at IE Developments.

"Plans are currently being drawn up for a very high quality, energy efficient, residential development of apartments and houses. This is a rare opportunity to produce a sensational development in a great setting."

Prime UK said its scheme, in a separate part of the site to IE's, would focus on a care home.

"Prime is looking to develop a high quality care home on the site which will serve the people of the local area," said Bob Smaylen, the company's development director.

"Initial plans and designs are currently being drawn up and we are keen to involve local residents in this process. In a few weeks, we will be announcing dates for a public consultation event to introduce our plans and gather feedback from the community."

Brockington hasn't been occupied since the summer of 2014 when Herefordshire Council shut it down to cut accommodation costs.

An initial offer on the property fell through.

The building had been the council's base since the authority was formed in 1998. Previously it was the HQ for the former South Herefordshire District Council.

Staff working there shifted to other council offices including Plough Lane and Blueschool House in the centre of Hereford.

Council meetings are now held at Hereford Shirehall.