NEW plans to demolish the former Aviva building in Salisbury and build a retirement complex have been submitted.

Developers McCarthy and Stone’s proposal is for UK House, Castle Street, to be redeveloped with 24 retirement flats and 61 assisted living apartments, as well as five other homes.

The application’s submission follows a second public consultation on the plans, which involved a series of one-to-one meetings and a public exhibition, and allowed members of the public and local stakeholders to comment on the revised proposals.

So far, seven letters have been sent to the council, all supporting the scheme.

Neighbour Nick Coombe wrote: “This will enhance the area considerably. Salisbury needs more housing for the older age groups.”

The application also seeks to convert the Grade II listed building on the site, Belle Vue House, into one home as well as providing five other homes on the open market in response to feedback from the community.

The proposals also include landscaping, garden and terrace areas and a single, vehicle access point from Endless Street leading to 55 car parking spaces.

Belle Vue House and the five surroundings homes will have two dedicated car parking spaces each.

Shane Paull, McCarthy and Stone regional managing director, said: “We are grateful for the local feedback we have received through both of our public consultations and have proceeded to submit an application to Wiltshire Council following a significant level of local support.

“We want our proposals to bring the UK House site back into use with a high-quality, sensitive scheme. We have worked closely with planning and conservation officers at Wiltshire Council and have paid close attention to local architecture in order to produce designs which are attractive and contemporary, while respecting the character of Salisbury.”

The plans can be viewed online at wiltshire.gov.uk/planning under reference 17/03957/FUL