Health campaigners and Westbury residents have had the chance to look at proposed plans to build 72 homes on the Westbury Community Hospital site.

Many who opposed the hospital’s closure in April 2012 were furious last week after hearing about the plans, which were made available to view at The Laverton on Wednesday, from 4.30-7.30pm.

The draft proposal by NHS Property Services, which took over the site in April 2013, would see the 2.3 hectares off Hospital Road turned into 72 homes – 21 affordable. There would also be improved access and less traffic than when the hospital was in operation.

Erica Watson, vice chairman of Westbury’s League of Friends, who fought against the hospital closing, said: “I spoke to several NHS reps and felt communication between them and the community was poor.

“I was told the site with outline planning permission would be worth between £2.5-3m but that none of this money would come back to this area unless the Clinical Commissioning Group puts in a bid for health needs here.”

Councillor Gordon King, who also attended the consultation, said: “It’s a very disappointing application. I’d never have chosen the site for residential property.

“I hoped it might be used for healthcare, such as care homes, but I accept that bringing the hospital back wasn’t an option.”

A number of residents also attended the meeting, with many raising questions about site access and the potential increase in traffic.

Mr and Mrs Dyer, who live on Hospital Road, said: “You could potentially have 150 extra cars. Anyone who knows Hospital Road knows it is aready congested.”

People are encouraged to comment on the draft plans before February 27 before they are finalised and sent to Wiltshire Council to seek outline planning permission.

A spokesperson for NHS Property Services said: “It was a constructive meeting and we welcome the range of views about the draft proposals for the former Westbury Hospital site, which has been empty since 2012 and has been declared surplus to NHS requirements by healthcare commissioners.

“We will work with local authorities on planning issues, including access, while finalising an application for outline planning permission.

“As owners of this vacant site, which takes valuable NHS funds to maintain, our role is to ensure best value for the taxpayer and the NHS. Any concerns about the provision of healthcare facilities or services in the area need to be directed to Wiltshire Clinical Commissioning Group.

“We will be updating information about the proposals on our website and will continue to work with local partners on this project to deliver the best future use of this site.”