A NEW retirement village boasting 112 apartments near Tetbury has been granted planning permission by Cotswold District Council with development expected to begin in the summer of 2015.

The new development will be built around a village hall and will have a spa and swimming pool north of Cirencester Road, on the current Autonumis site.

Only people over 60 will have the opportunity to purchase one of the apartments in the village but the developers have stressed that some of the communal facilities will be open to the wider public.

The one and two bedroom homes within six buildings will be built around a shared courtyard garden, and spread out over five acres.

Also included in the development will be a library, a cafe and a farm shop, selling some of the produce grown by residents and gardening staff.

Vice Chair of Tetbury Town Council’s Planning Committee Cllr Stephen Hirst said:“When completed this development will positively compliment to the Tetbury community and will be a first class, well designed facility for senior citizens.

“The town will have the full range of care options, from traditional residential care facilities to supported independent living units and new on the scene a new retirement village - Steepleton.

“However the number of new retirement facilities bring with it a need for new additional facilities for the care of residents, comprehensive medical facilities and sufficient safe walking areas in the town centre come to mind. A real challenge.”

CEO of the developer Pegagus Life Howard Phillips said: “We are both proud and excited to be building this beautiful site in Tetbury. Steepleton will create a village atmosphere that is crafted to this unique and much-loved location but, with bespoke designs and outstanding service, this will be no ordinary village.

“This is a place designed for people who want to live life to the full, with a range of facilities and amenities that mean no two days ever need be the same.”

As part of the plans for Steepleton, Pegasus Life has agreed £39,000 to support the Dolphins Hall restoration, and £24,600 to support the Goods Shed Project as well as £126,000 for Cotswold District Council to be spent on regional care provision.

Mr Phillips added: “A number of people will see these plans and be disappointed sales are exclusively for those over 60 but we wanted to create something that specifically celebrates the diverse interests and passions of people approaching or enjoying retirement.”

For more information visit www.steepleton.co.uk