A PLANNING inspector will consider whether or not developers are allowed to turn Salisbury’s youth hostel into retirement homes.

A hearing will be held at the City Hall on July 23 from 10am where a planning inspector will hear from Genepi Property and Wiltshire Council.

The council’s planning department rejected the plans for Milford Hill House in January because it would result in a loss of tourist accommodation that is needed in the city but the Youth Hostel Association has said the building is no longer viable as a youth hostel and doesn’t provide what people want.

Genepi will be hoping the inspector will overturn the council’s decision and grant planning permission to turn the house into four two-bedroom apartments and build 11 new homes in the grounds.