A PROPOSAL for a set of new age-exclusive apartments for the retirement sector on Granham Close in Marlborough was given the go ahead by Wiltshire Council last night.

Despite giving planning permission, councillors did amend the proposal to ensure that any Section 106 money from the developers for affordable housing was only spent in Marlborough.

The three storey development by McCarthy and Stone, who specialise in the provision of retirement accommodation, will see 27 two-bed apartments built for those aged 55 and over and 29 car parking spaces.

The plans had been recommended for approval by Wiltshire Council planning officers who believe the development will meet a recognised need for older people’s housing in Marlborough and no statutory consultees objected to the proposal.

Despite this, there was vocal opposition to the plans from members of the public at Thursday’s meeting and Marlborough Town Council.

Town councillor Justin Cook said: “In Marlborough, by far the greatest need is for affordable homes for young people.

“The town already has a significant amount of age exclusive housing for the over 55s and it is certainly not a priority to provide any more."

The brownfield site is currently home to Clarke and Rodwey Garage on the corner of Granham Hill and Granham Close.

Val Compton said: “We have an ageing population, Marlborough is already top heavy, how can it make any sense at all to artificially increase our elderly population?

“We should not allow our building lane to be gobbled up.”

Representatives from developers McCarthy and Stone argued that the plans would be for the more independent elderly rather than a typical retirement home and that they had listened to concerns over parking by increasing the number of spaces from 27 to 29.

Despite councillors Fogg and Dobson voting against the plans, they were passed with a majority of five to two with the section 106 amendment on affordable homes.

Earlier on Thursday, Renaissance Developers put further plans for 28 luxury retirement apartments for over 55s at Old Yard in London Road on display for public consultation.