THE former mayor of Tetbury has stated that the town could become “the retirement capital of the Cotswolds” after plans for an ambitious new development have been revealed.

Cllr Stephen Hirst made the remarks following the unveiling of Pegasus Life’s proposals to knock down a factory on the edge of Tetbury an build 112 care units, along with a couple of homes for managers.

“Across the road there is also a separate plan for another hundred or so retirement homes and Tetbury is fast becoming the retirement capital of the Cotswolds, some may think that’s acceptable, others not,” he said.

“The question is whether Tetbury has sort of facilities and attractions for retired folk to want to move here. What is does have is a hospital and all those new houses will really make that even more viable.”

The current owners of the development site, vending machine producer Autonumis, which employs more than 100 people, will be relocating to an industrial estate on a former RAG base as Aston Down.

The new ‘care village’ is based largely around an American model that gives older people the independence of their own home coupled with the comfort of a safe environment.

A spokesman for Pegasus Life said: “The apartments will be age restricted and comprise 27 one-bedroom apartments and 85 two-bedroom apartments.

“Within the central core of the site will be a reception and management suite at ground level and village hall with hub facilities for use by the care village’s residents.”

The plans also give details of an outdoor ‘swimming pond’ in the centre of the retirement complex.

Tetbury has become well-known throughout the Cotswolds in recent months for its huge planning battles.

After gaining planning permission, more than 550 new homes have been earmarked for land on the outskirts of the town.

For more information on the plans, visit www.pegasuslife.co.uk.