Plans for a large retirement village have been approved by Wiltshire Council despite concerns

Plans for a large retirement community at Avonpark in Winsley have been given the go-ahead by Wiltshire Council after a lengthy councilor debate with some concerns raised.

The development will involve demolishing the Alexander Heights and Fountains Place buildings, which were once used as a care home, and building 74 apartments for the elderly.

As well as these new homes, occupiers will have facilities such as a shop, restaurant, library and a croquet lawn in the gardens.

The proposal was discussed at the meeting of the Western Area Development Committee on Wednesday, May 8, at which several residents were present.

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Representing “the people of Winsley Hill”, Fleur Hitchcock spoke of her concerns about the development.

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

“We are concerned about the number of people the site hopes to host and the number of people it will take to maintain it.”

She referred to the potential strain on village facilities, including the “already unstretched” operation, as well as buses.

She added: “Avonpark is visible from as far away as Hinton Charterhouse and, despite the methodology statement, the new proposal will be far more dominant than the existing, relatively low-rise development.”

Guy Flintoft, who is director of planning and design at the Retirement Villages Group, said: “There remains a huge unmet need for care homes in this area of ​​Wiltshire which this proposal will help to address.

“The financial performance of the proposals will be well below the level normally required to justify the investment, but it is necessary to address the issue of these aging buildings and restore the operational viability of Avonpark.”

It was argued that, although reaching up to five storeys, the buildings would contribute “positively to the distinctive landscape setting”.

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Avonpark residents’ committee chairman Michael Ross expressed his support for the application.

He said: “The viability of the existing site with buildings that are either derelict or no longer fit for purpose is well recognized by existing residents who feel that it could greatly benefit from increased facilities along with upgrading the structure and presenting the site existing.”

Meanwhile, Winsley Parish Council’s Graham Bostock raised concerns about light pollution from the site across the valley.

Cllr Johnny Kidney, representing Winsley and Westwood, asked the committee to note the “incredibly sensitive” location and consider the application carefully.

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

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 are currently 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 amenities.

“We would like to thank the residents of Avonpark, who recognize the need for change and have helped shape the design we have proposed, as well as Wiltshire Council who have supported our vision for Avonpark, ensuring it remains a sustainable and attractive community for decades. to come.”

According to the developer, the project is expected to provide 76 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and 23 jobs on completion, an “economic boost” of £6.8m during construction to the local economy and £175,000 in council tax every year.

Work is due to start by the end of 2024.