CONTROVERSIAL plans by Churchill Retirement Living to build 39 apartments for older people and four retail units behind 8-13 High Street in Calne have been criticised by Calne Town Council as a potential lost opportunity for town centre regeneration.

The town council has objected to the plans and asked that Wiltshire Council refuse permission for the development, which also includes a guest apartment, communal facilities,and car parking.

The plans were discussed at a recent meeting of the town council's development and planning committee meeting, which was attended by around 70 members of the public.

The town council said the proposed flats would fail to integrate with the existing town centre along the north and south boundaries of the site, and would not make the most of an the opportunity to enhance the public realm, improve connectivity or support an active community.

“The limited benefits of the proposal do not outweigh the lost opportunity to regenerate the town centre in an appropriate manner,” reported town council head of business, Mark Edwards.

The development was also criticised because councillors feared its height and mass would dominate the town centre and obstruct views. The site of the proposed flats is also close to the grade II listed Zion Chapel, and the town council asked that the Wiltshire Council conservation officer’s views be taken into account.

They also pointed out that a survey hosted by Calne Our Place that was recently completed by 477 local resident and businesses, revealed that 87 per cent did not support the Churchill retirement Living plans for the town centre site.

The town council prefers a proposal by the Baptist Church, which includes community space.

The plans will now be considered by Wiltshire Council, and the target date for a decision is Tuesday January 8.