A vacant Wirral hotel once owned by Tranmere Rovers' chairman is to be turned into an 11-resident specialist care facility after plans were approved.

The Riverhill development, approved by Wirral Council this week, will be designed for people with learning disabilities and autism, but particularly suitable for people with complex needs.

The new development, from Sci-Tech Daresbury-based company Tecura, will be run on green energy to reduce the running costs, using 'the very latest 'Edge' computing technologies to enable residents and carers to live safely, and empower residents to achieve greater levels of independence'.

Tecura was founded by Matthew Warnes after a car accident which resulted in both legs being amputated above the knee and 65% third degree burns to his body.

After more than 130 operations, Matthew's only opportunity to live independently was to design and build a house with environmental controls and assistive and adaptive technology.

He wanted to use this experience and his technology background to help others with disabilities live in the comfort and dignity they deserve.

Discussing his experiences, Matthew said: "In many ways I am glad that the car crash on July 5, 1997 happened to me.

"I was, and I still am, mentally strong enough to make the necessary changes to support individuals less able and less fortunate than myself.

"It took over five years and 140 operations for me to recover, but since then I have gone on to be one of the UK’s leading smart home designers and system installers.

"With modern day technology we can achieve virtually anything - for any need - providing dignity, independence and better, healthier lives for vulnerable people.

"Gaining planning approval for the redevelopment of Riverhill represents a key milestone for me and my outstanding team at Tecura as we seek to make the delivery of social care in the UK more effective and efficient using the right technology in the right environment."

The three-storey property, built in around 1886, was bought by the owners of Tranmere Rovers Football Club, Mark and Nicola Palios, in 2016 with profits from the hotel going to the Wirral football club.

The club announced the permanent closure of the hotel in June 2020, giving the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as a reason behind its decision.