A CONTROVERSIAL application to build 34 retirement apartments in Cirencester was passed by a single vote.


Councillors had previously deferred the application to build on the site of the old T H White garage on the Waitrose roundabout while the developer, McCarthy and Stone, came up with a more interesting design.


There had also been worries there was no pedestrian access from the island to Waitrose.


However, McCarthy and Stone chose not to alter their application.


The three storey development will be made up of 16 one-bed apartments and 18 two-bed apartments with 31 parking spaces. It will only be available to those over 60.


At last week’s Cotswold District Council planning meeting councillors aired their feelings on the application.


Cllr Ray Brassington, ward member for Four Acres which the application falls in, said he was not against the area being developed for residential use, but said: “I just think it looks like an office block”.


He added: “This is the gateway to Cirencester and it is the first thing people travelling to Cirencester see - they will probably think it is just more offices.”


Cllr Sue Jepson, ward member for Blockley, echoed Cllr Brassington, adding: “We are losing a chance to do something exciting with this land.


“I’m not concerned about the materials; I just think its appearance could me more interesting.”


Councillors also raised concerns that McCarthy and Stone had not added a pedestrian access to link the development with Waitrose and Cllr Abagail Beccle said there may not be enough provision for ambulances.


When the application went to a vote, councillors were divided, with five voting to pass the retirement home, five voting against and four abstaining.


Committee chairman Cllr Robin Hughes, ward member for Sandywell, exercised his casting vote to approve the application.


McCarthy and Stone Southern's regional managing director Shane Paull said the development would boost the local economy and had received a lot of support from the local community.


He added: "We have been stunned by the number of people who have already registered their interest. Whilst we have Retirement Living developments in surrounding areas such as Swindon and Tetbury, this is the first time we’ve launched in Cirencester."


After the meeting, chairman of the Cirencester Civic Society Geoffrey Adams said: “Members of the Cirencester Civic Society will be disappointed that, since the last meeting, the applicants have not tried to address the concerns of those who thought the design of the retirement apartments was too 'office-like' and it is obvious from the very close vote, with a five each way split 'for' and 'against' and four abstaining, that there were still members of the planning committee who remained concerned about the design issue.


“Had just one of those who abstained voted against the plans, it would have been necessary for the applicant to go back to the drawing board.


He added: "However, that's how democracy works and we shall have to abide by the decision.”