AN OLD people’s home that was abandoned six years ago could be transformed into an extra-care complex by the middle of 2016.

A planning application has been submitted to build 49 flats on the site at Burnham House, along with a restaurant, a health and wellbeing suite and guest accommodation.

Proposals to replace the existing 1970s building were devised with the help of a working group of local residents and changes were made in the wake of a public consultation earlier this summer.

Wiltshire Councillor John Thomson, who chaired the group, said: “This extra care scheme will provide much needed facilities and services for older people and I am delighted we have reached this important milestone.

“We had a great response from residents at the recent consultation event, we have listened to them and I am sure they will be pleased with what is planned.

“I would like to personally thank the community group who have worked with us to get to this stage. They will be involved throughout the process and, if approved, we look forward to it opening.”

Wiltshire Council has teamed up with charity Abbeyfield and developer Leadbitter on the project.

Doug Furlong, Abbeyfield’s Wiltshire business manager, said: “We have been working closely with Leadbitter and the local community to ensure we deliver the highest possible quality homes that enable older people to live independently and are beyond just being a place to live.”

The working group, which was made up of representatives from different organisations and residents, was charged with making sure the final scheme met local needs and opinion.

Changes were made along the way including a larger courtyard garden for residents and improvements to the layout.

The existing building has been empty since residents were moved up to Athelstan House at Burton Hill. Earlier this year street artist Luke Hollingworth turned it into a temporary tourist attraction by painting giant zoo animals on the walls.