The current owner of the derelict former home of Dr. E.F. Gordon, which has become a haven for drug abusers and prostitutes, has claimed that plans to redevelop the property are already underway.revealed on Monday Police regularly received reports of crack cocaine and cannabis being dealt and consumed at the site, as well as prostitutes operating out of the old house which is currently in a state of considerable disrepair. Speaking earlier this week, Mr. Simmons said he was aware of the problem, but disputed that there had been any recent prostitution taking place on his property ? because of his ?regular presence? there.

He claimed also he had visited the site with an architect just over two weeks ago, and is currently assessing how best to redevelop the house?s dilapidated structure. ?Anything that can be done to clean up the area, we will do,? he said.

Meanwhile, the plot owned by the Gordon family, which is now essentially woodland, is subject to strict zoning restrictions ? having once been farmed as arable land. The Department of Planning confirmed in a statement yesterday that the area is zoned as ?Arable Land Conservation? and ?Woodland Reserve?.

Under current regulations, this land must remain largely untouched ? although Planning have now invited the Gordon family to make an application for their consideration. When contacted last night, Pamela Gordon, who commands the right of attorney on the family trust which owns the land, said she was ?delighted? there had been a modicum of progress and revealed she would be contacting the Director of Planning, Rudolph Hollis, later this week.

?At least this is a step forward,? she said. ?All along I was very wary of being seen to approach Government asking for special favours. I am also aware that there is a very real community concern about the illegal activities going on in the area and I will get in touch with the Director of Planning in the immediate future to see what can be done.?