A new Churchill Retirement Homes development on the site of properties in Coppice Street, Shaftesbury, has been given the go-ahead by North Dorset District Council planners.
The proposal to demolish the group of 20th century houses and bungalows and build 38 retirement apartments was considered by the development management committee at its December meeting, and came with an officer recommendation of approval which was agreed unanimously.
The main concern raised by councillors and members of the public submitting comments was that only 15 parking spaces were proposed for the 38 one and two bedroomed apartments, but agent Simon Macfarlane is experience had shown the low car usage by residents in such developments.
“It is in Churchill’s interests to have a parking situation which works, and research across completed developments demonstrates that one space to three units caters for residents, carers and visitors,” he said.
Councillor David Milsted commented that there did not appear to have been a problem with parking at a similar development in Gillingham, and the applicants should be complimented on the attractive design of their proposal.
Councillor Belinda Ridout said: “It will strengthen the Coppice Street scene immensely.”
Officers said that design changes to the street frontage since the original submission of the scheme had greatly improved its appearance and were considered to enhance the setting of the adjacent listed and 18th century properties, and would not impact on a listed boundary wall and stone.
Approval is also subject to the applicants agreeing to make a £200,000 contribution towards offsite affordable housing, £35,264 towards the new Coppice Street community hall being planned by Shaftesbury Town Council, Youth Club and Silver Band, and £41,453 towards open space enhancements.
Officers said there was no evidence to support a requirement for a contribution to older people’s care, and that a scheme such as this could reduce rather than increase demand because of the support available to residents.
Nicci Brown