Retirement flats plan rejected after objections

A planning officer’s report said three comments in support of the application had been received.

One of those said the plans would be “an excellent addition to the area and huge improvement to the site as it is presently”.

The report added the development would help meet a growing need for supported housing for the elderly.

It said: “The second identified benefit will be the bringing back into use of a site that has laid unused for a considerable period of time.”

However, it was noted in the report that the development would not be in keeping with its location, offered no affordable housing and there were concerns over the impact on protected trees.

“The harms identified to heritage assets would be significant and should be afforded substantial weight,” planners said.