PLANS for the first phase of redevelopment at the Old Manor in Wilton Road have been revealed.

Developer Quantum Group has submitted detailed designs for turning the “neglected and decaying” psychiatric hospital into retirement homes.

The assisted-living complex will eventually house up to 350 over 55s and will include a hotel, shops and places to eat.

The scheme as a whole is expected to create more than 200 jobs for builders, carers, shop workers and catering staff.

Councillor Richard Clewer has forced a debate on the plans, as he feels they are significant enough for a decision to be made “under the glare of public scrutiny”.

He said: “It’s a large application and there are elements of it that are seen as controversial or at least worthy of discussion.”

Quantum Group’s head of community engagement Kate Greatrix said: “This is a significant site, which has suffered piecemeal development since it was abandoned many years ago.

“We have submitted a comprehensive master plan, which was registered on October 5 for everyone to see.

“Our application underpins Wiltshire Council’s Core Strategy 2015, which proposes “…to deliver the right types of homes to support good health and social well-being, including sufficient accommodation for Wiltshire’s ageing population.”

“We’ve had a tremendous response from all parts of the community — members of the public, businesses, local interest groups - and have not encountered any serious local concerns.

“People have told us that they’re delighted that the Old Manor site, which has been neglected for over 20 years and which has fallen into a state of disrepair, is finally going to be rejuvenated.”

The plans include investing millions of pounds to restore the listed buildings and fountain on the site.

“We will be creating a vibrant new community for the elderly that will boost the economy as well as provide purpose built accommodation for the ageing elderly population.

“Over the years, many of Salisbury’s older residents have become isolated from people and local services – and action needs to be taken to address this now.”

The NHS abandoned the six-acre site back in 2003.

It lay derelict until Quantum bought it for £4.1million in October last year.

Dr Helena McKeown told Salisbury Area Board in March that the site risked becoming a “ghetto for wealthy old people” if the plans went ahead.