A PLANNING application that could see a derelict supermarket being turned into a retirement complex has been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

McCarthy & Stone and The Co-operative Group are seeking permission to develop the disused Co-op on Salisbury Street in Amesbury into 33 one and two bedroom apartments along with 5,000 square feet of ground floor retail space that could be one large shop or several smaller units.

There would also be a garden area, parking and communal areas for residents.

Since The Co-operative store relocated in the town the site has stood vacant attracting vandalism and graffiti.

The supermarket chain has been widely criticised for the state of the building which town councillors and residents say is detrimental to Amesbury’s efforts to re-invent itself as a tourist destination.

Initial feedback following community consultation and a public exhibition showed that 86 per cent of those who responded were in favour of the development. Shane Paull, McCarthy & Stone’s regional managing director, said: “We are encouraged by the level of local support that we have received to date for our proposals and have now submitted a planning application to Wiltshire Council. After carefully reviewing local feedback, the level of car parking provision for the 33 apartments has been increased to 22 spaces, with dedicated spaces available for the retail element.

“It is important that a community meets the housing needs of all its residents and this development would help meet a local, and growing, housing need in the area. “Introducing this form of housing to an area has benefits for the wider community as well. For example, on average each development represents an investment of around £5 million into the local economy and on moving, residents in later life tend to release family-sized housing, which helps to stimulate the housing chain and enable young families and first time buyers to have a better opportunity within the housing market.”

Matthew Stafford of The Co-operative Group said: “We are pleased by the level of support we have received when meeting with residents. If given the go ahead The Co-operative Group and McCarthy & Stone are committed to bringing the redundant site back into efficient use, with a scheme which is set to revitalise Salisbury Street. We are excited about the prospect of redeveloping this prominent site with improved retail premises and bringing more footfall to Salisbury Street.” For further information on the proposals call 0800 298 7040 or visit www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/amesbury