It is hoped homes will fill the former Gwealdues Hotel site in Helston by the end of next year.

Last week the Packet reported that work had begun on converting the site in Falmouth Road into ten houses and nine flats.

Porthleven-based building firm Mitchells Construction will carry out the development work after buying the hotel and its grounds with conditional planning permission already granted. The business stopped trading in 2011 and the buildings had been falling into increasing disrepair since then.

The aim was to clear the site by the end of last week so that building work could begin “as soon as possible.”

Justin Mitchell, a company director with Mitchells Construction, said: “I know people don't like change but the building was empty for so long. It would be nice to see it being used for something.”

The plan is for the homes to be built over the next 12 to 14 months.

A number of people are already said to be interested in buying one of the homes, which are being marketed through Christopher's Estate Agents.