RESIDENTS have taken the opportunity to shape proposals for new retirement living apartments at a public exhibition in Calne.

Around 50 people attended the exhibition at Calne Town Hall to view the plans following an invitation being sent to over 900 local residents and stakeholders.

Representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Wiltshire Council and Calne Town Council also attended.

McCarthy & Stone want to building 32 apartments on a brownfield site in The Pippin which is currently occupied by Trotman’s hardware store and a small car park.

The one and two bed apartments will be surrounded by gardens and include a residents lounge, with kitchenette, outdoor communal space and 19 car parking spaces.

Ivan and Kath Sawyer, of Oxford Road, said: “We think it’s a very good idea, the only downside is that the hardware store will be not there anymore and that’s the only store of its kind in the town.

“We think the actual complex if you can get it passed it looks brilliant.”

Brian Rawlings, 78, of Castlefields, said: “My wife and I saw the illustration of the proposed development and thought it was excellent. With the central position that its got let’s hope everything goes ahead as planned.”

A planning application is expected in the next month with McCarthy & Stone hoping to start construction by November 2016 with the first residents potentially moving in as early as May 2018.

Shane Paull, McCarthy and Stone’s Regional Managing Director, said: “We have worked hard to ensure our proposals represent a sensitive development which complements the character of the local area with high-quality materials and a design that assists with the future development of the wider town centre masterplan.

“We believe this site is an ideal location to provide much-needed retirement accommodation in Calne close to existing shops and services for future residents to use and enjoy.”

“Our proposals represent a significant investment right into the centre of Calne, which will help improve the local economy, as research undertaken by the Institute of Public Care demonstrates."

Anyone unable to attend the exhibition can visit the project’s dedicated website www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/calne where they will have the opportunity to view the information which was on display.