Comment

Sir.-I note the comments in The Gazette regarding the proposals by McCarthy & Stone to build a retirement complex on the site of the former Webbers dealership.

Having attended the exhibition in Fairfields Art Centre, I learned that the proposal was for a complex of 120 apartments - a five-storey block along New Road, a two-storey block along Southern Road and a linking block between the two of three storeys.

Access to the site would only be via a controlled gate in Southern Road.

My observations are that it seems to be far too high to have a five-storey structure on New Road - it will look out of place.

I imagine anyone residing in the units on the New Road side of the site will have a marvellous view of the back of McDonald's and the other properties in London Street.

At least those in the wing looking west will have a view of a listed building, All Saints Church.

I have no issues with the concept of a retirement complex, but I wonder if it is in the right location or in scale with the surroundings?

One of your correspondents thought the site "was prime land for future expansion of the town centre". Since when does the town centre need expanding?

There are enough empty units in Festival Place, The Malls and the immediate area to contradict this notion.

Another correspondent feels it is the wrong location: "Surely a quiet location on the outskirts with a shop, post office and regular bus service would be better."

I wonder if this is tongue-in-cheek? How many shops are there on the "outskirts" (unable to compete with supermarket prices)? And how many post offices are there now following the unilateral closure programme?

This complex needs to be thought of in terms of its surroundings and local facilities.

-Allan J Palmer, e-mail.

5:03pm Friday 25th April 2008

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