A HEARING to decide the fate of Salisbury’s youth hostel will be held next Wednesday.

Developer Genepi Property is appealing against Wiltshire Council’s decision to refuse planning permission for the hostel in Milford Hill to be turned into retirement homes.

A planning inspector will hear from both sides and decide whether or not permission should be granted.

Genepi wants to convert Milford Hill House into four two-bedroom apartments and build 11 new homes in the grounds but the council’s planning department says the low-cost tourist accommodation is needed in the city.

However, the Youth Hostel Association says the building is no longer viable and does not provide the service people want. It wants to sell the site and find an alternative site in the city for a new hostel.

The hearing will be held at 10am in the Alamein suite at City Hall.