'High quality' retirement village plans approved

Elderly residents will have access to a croquet lawn and library

Plans for a large retirement community sparked lengthy debate in a council meeting - but will be built.

The development at Avonpark in Winsley will involve the demolition of the Alexander Heights and Fountains Place buildings, which were once used as a care home.

The complex will be replaced by 74 retirement apartments, as well as a shop, restaurant, library and croquet lawn within the gardens.

Wiltshire Council approved the proposal at the Western Area Planning Committee meeting. Work is due to start by the end of 2024.

The buildings will be three to five storeys high

Representing “the people of Winsley Hill” at the meeting, one resident spoke of her concerns regarding the development.

She said: “What we object to is the sustainability of the site, and quantity, quality and design of the proposed buildings.

“We are concerned by the number of people the site hopes to house, and the number of people who will be needed to maintain it.”

She referred to the potential strain on the facilities in the village, including the “already impossibly stretched” surgery, as well as the buses.

The applicant, who was also at the meeting, said the development would address the "huge unmet need for housing with care" in Wiltshire.

Concerns were raised at the meeting over light pollution and its "sensitive" location

The chairman of the Avonpark residents’ committee expressed his support of the application.

He said: “The viability of the existing site with buildings that are either derelict or no longer fit for purpose, is well recognised by the existing residents who feel they could greatly benefit from increased amenities along with the upgrade in the structure and presentation of the existing site.”

After a detailed discussion, the committee voted to approve the plans, with conditions to mitigate issues such as light pollution and road safety for the elderly residents.

'High-quality homes'

Jack Stirling, development manager at Retirement Villages Group, said: “The council’s approval of the plans is a landmark moment for Avonpark and its current and future residents.

“Redundant and empty buildings currently sit at the heart of the community.

“Our investment plans will not only replace them with high-quality new homes, but help bring residents together with an excellent range of facilities."

According to the developer, the project is expected to deliver a £6.8m “economic boost” during construction for the local economy, and £175,000 in council tax each year.

Construction will begin before the end of 2024