A PROJECT to build a number of sheltered apartments for the elderly in Cirencester has been thrown into jeopardy after Cirencester Town Council’s planning committee objected to it.

The development, submitted by Churchill Retirement Living, would see up to 35 sheltered apartments built as well as communal facilities and new parking spaces.

However, the committee objected the application after it was discovered that only 14 parking spaces would be built despite nearly 40 rooms being earmarked.

Cllr Jenny Hincks, chairman of the committee, explained that the group were in favour of the retirement complex but could not condone the problems a low number of parking spaces would cause to on-street parking.

She said: “The plan doesn’t even include a parking space for the lodge manager, who will have to live on site. We are going to end up with cars all over the streets if we agree to this.”

The complex, to be built on the current site of offices on Somerford Road, will be made up of 22 one bedroom units and 13 two bedroom apartments.

It is expected that the clientele of the build will be retired people, over the age of 70, who are still fully independent and mobile.

The application will now be sent to Cotswold District Council where a final decision will be made by its planning committee.

Anybody wishing to view or comment on the plans can do so by visiting www.cotswold.gov.uk.