THIRTY new retirement apartments could be built in Spa Road, Melksham if Wiltshire Council approve planning permission.

Developers McCarthy & Stone are hoping to demolish Withleigh House, which currently lies on the land next to Hardie Walk, and transform it into a two storey building with13 one-bedroom and 17 two-bedroom flats. There will also be communal facilities, 23 parking spaces and one full-time employee.

More than 50 residents attended a public consultation at Melksham Town Hall in April to see the plans and meet with the company to discuss ideas and concerns. Having taken feedback on board, this week a planning application was submitted.

The company said: “The apartments will be contained within one single development and there is a range of communal facilities including residents lounge, mobility scooter store and associated car parking and landscaped gardens.

“The development will be occupied by elderly people. While the minimum age for occupation can be 60 years (with a spouse of 55 years) the typical resident is a widow of 74-78 years of age.”

They added: “The proposal helps to stimulate the local housing market by recycling larger under occupied properties back to the market so they can better address local needs.”