Carrick district council look set to make an offer for land on the former City Hospital site in Truro and build residential housing there if successful with their bid.

The council's cabinet recommended they acquire the 7.8 acres site (two thirds of the site) and in partnership with the Devon & Cornwall Housing Association, submit a formal offer before the end of last year, subject to contract, to its owners the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust.

Louise Dwelly, Carrick's housing policy advisor, said it was a rare opportunity to acquire a key brownfield site, which currently contributes nothing to the local environment.

If the council's offer was accepted it was resolved that the cabinet recommend £50,000 from the council's housing enabling programme be used towards the purchase of the site.

It was also recommended by the cabinet that should the council and the housing association be unable to agree on the details of submitting an offer, that the council withdraw from the proposal or work with another partner to achieve their aim.