A RUNDOWN area in the centre of Tiverton could get a £1million makeover.

Plans are being drawn up for around 50 retirement homes on a plot behind the town hall following talks between Mid Devon District Council and McCarthy and Stone, who specialise in retirement homes.

There would also be communal gardens and rooms to create a community feel to the development.

The council originally bought the land in the 1970s and planned to build council offices there, before plumping for its current HQ in Phoenix Lane.

And a terrace of council-owned homes in St Andrew Street, a conservation area, could be renovated, with work hopefully starting later this year.

The local authority would then encourage certain to relocate to free up larger homes and help cut the council house waiting list.