A PLANNING application for 475 homes has been submitted for the site of Government buildings and a nuclear bunker, known as "The Kremlin".

The scheme, proposed by the Land Registry, would transform the 1950s site off Chalfont Drive, in the Leen Valley area of the city.

The land is currently occupied by low rise Government buildings, as well as the nuclear bunker.

Planners have been struggling with how to incorporate the concrete bunker into the development, as it must be retained since it is a Grade II listed building.

The outline application states: "The very minimum proposed for the bunker is that it should be made safe, that asbestos is removed from the internal areas of the building and sealed, and that any external damage should be repaired."

Four options have been put forward for the bunker. One included using coloured, back-lit Perspex screens to obscure it.

The favoured option, however, is to create a community garden and 'green wall' of foliage to soften the harsh contours of the Cold War building.

The application states: "This option was selected as it is considered the most appropriate way of creating a vibrant space, combining activity and community spirit with the need for open space.

"A landscape belt of up to 15 metres in width will be created around the bunker, with a 'green wall' established close to the building itself to soften its appearance."

The Land Registry is also investigating options for the use of the building, with one company interested in buying it for data storage.

The proposal, known as Orchard Park, suggests there is a desire to build family housing on the site.

A public consultation on the plans was held earlier this year and around 800 people attended an exhibition, where proposals were explained.

Among the issues raised by the public were the impact of development upon the local services and concern about the long-term security of the bunker and its re-use.