A GROUP of residents in Chippenham have joined forces to oppose plans to build two flats that will be shared with nine people in the former Sheldon Lodge retirement home site.

More than 160 residents, living in the Sheldon and Queens area of the town, have signed a petition calling for the refusal of the plans on Sheldon Road, which were registered with Wiltshire Council in October.

"We formed a unified front when it was registered," resident Ann Deeprose said. "The property runs along the entire boundary and the windows open outwards, so the residents either side will be at the mercy of the tenants.

"Twenty -three letters of objection have also been received by the council from local people who are worried about the impact this development will have on this already busy and congested road.

"Whilst the previous residents did not have cars and made little or no noise, we are worried that having such a large shared house on what is a very compact and overdeveloped site will lead to problems with noise nuisance."

Councillors at Chippenham Town Council have also noted their disappointment at the plans and called the plans a "disaster."

Brenda Fernandez, who lives next door to the site, added: “I have lived at Sheldon Road all of my life and am now a pensioner living on my own. I have reached a stage in my life where I just want to relax and enjoy the free time that retirement brings.

“Several side windows overlook and open out onto my property and whilst this was never an issue with the care home residents, I feel that this would become an issue. if the property is turned into bedsits.

“We are currently a quiet residential community but this will change if this proposal gets the go ahead.”

The application (17/10136/FUL) has been called in by Councillor Ashley O’Neill and will be decided by the North Wiltshire Planning Committee on Wednesday. (January 24)