THE old folk's home Green Park House is to be sold to a private developer but it must be kept as a care home for the elderly.

The home was closed in October after the council and the Primary Care Trust decided it would cost too much to bring up to standard.

The council could have opted to sell the site for housing development but after a campaign by the Penistone councillors it was decided the sale will restrict buyers to using the site for the provision of residential care services for older people.

There is also a condition that the council can reserve access to land they own at the back of the site.

The Chronicle understands two companies are in talks with Barnsley council about taking on the lease but that the home is currently too small and would need to be knocked down and rebuilt.

Coun Andrew Millner, who campaigned to save the home, said: "We didn't want to lose it but this was the only option and we are delighted that it will be another care home.

"Something substantially bigger to provide the additional services is required to be financially viable. We hope as well as residential care the company will work with the PCT and incorporate respite and intermediate care."

The last two residents of Green Park were moved out in January, leaving Penistone without any care provision for the elderly.