A DERELICT asylum branded an eyesore on one of the city’s main gateways for 13 years is to be given a new lease of life after plans for its redevelopment received overwhelming support from both councillors and the public.

The Old Manor site on Wilton Road was sold in 2014 for £4.1 million to Quantum Group, 11 years after it was abandoned by the NHS.

The Bournemouth-based developer plans to build up to 350 assisted living flats for the over 55s on the six-acre site along with a hotel, shops and places to eat.

On Thursday, phase one of the plans which include 71 assisted living, extra care flats, a convenience store, a café and communal facilities received planning permission at the Southern Area Planning Committee.

Lead architect Sam Hobson told councillors: “The Old Manor Hospital site has suffered 13 years of complete neglect to the detriment of the city and frustration of the local community.

“All the correspondence we have received has a consistent theme: relief that something is finally happening and celebration that the site is being put to such good use.”

He added: “By physically opening up the site and providing services and facilities available to the local community we can put aside the misconception that the proposals will become an isolated community.”

Steve Godwin from the city’s Business Improvement District said the development would dramatically improve one of the main gateways into the city and provide increased trade for local businesses.

Wilton Road resident Robert Sykes, a lawyer in Salisbury for 35 years, said: “The regeneration of this derelict brownfield site with its remaining elegant buildings and some fine trees and green space can only be of benefit to the city.

“Despite the vandalism and neglect which lately Quantum has been trying to stave off, it seems the main building will deteriorate and possibly even collapse unless action is taken.

“The new project would help to revitalise the whole area.

“It also provides what Salisbury actually needs – I’ve acted for older people all my working life and increasingly as people live longer and stay active there is a real need for a comfortable, spacious, supportive and affordable place.”

More than 800 people responded to the developer's consultation.

The hospital was first opened the early 19th century by Dr William Finch and was known as the Fisherton House Asylum.

It operated as a psychiatric hospital until its closure in 2003 and since then the site has stood largely empty.

Developers hope to complete the work in five phases including future work to Finch House, which is next to the main site. The first phase involves the demolition of single-storey extensions to listed building Finch House as well as the modern detached buildings Foxley Green and Porters Lodge.

Cllr Matthew Dean, a ward councillor for the area, said: “My constituents are very keen to see this site developed – there’s been quite a level of increasing anti-social behaviour on the site, the site is visually very displeasing as a main gateway into the city.”

He added: “Most residents tell me as we face such a shortage of all types of housing accommodation in the city, the possibility of this site coming forward for residential dwellings for older people will release quite a large amount of family housing across the city.”

Cllr Mike Hewitt said having been in the buildings when they were in use, he was ashamed of seeing the state in which they were now while Cllr Richard Britten said: “I don’t like the expression ‘no brainer’ but this must surely be one.”

Councillors said they would have preferred the site to be developed all in one go rather than the planned phases.

Cllr Fred Westmoreland said: "We would rather not have a promissory note but unfortunately that's what we have. However I wouldn't expect nice apartments are going to sell very well if something isn't done about the wreck that surrounds it so that should for me will motivate the entire system."

All councillors approved the application with the exception of Cllr Hewitt who abstained.

Welcoming the decision, Kate Greatrix from Quantum said: “We are delighted with the outcome and excited about bringing a much needed new development to the Old Manor site.

“The scheme approval comes after months of dialogue and consideration, in close collaboration with a huge range of stakeholders, local residents, businesses and the council.

“This planning consent is the start of a long journey, with further phases planned. We hope to start work as soon as possible.”

Work on the first phase will start in early summer, when the planning application for phase two will then be submitted.