A FRESH application to change the former home of the police in Basingstoke into a retirement living complex has been submitted.

As previously reported in the Gazette, Churchill Retirement Living had applied to transform the former police station in London Road into 55 retirement apartments.

However, the application was rejected by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council on the grounds that development ‘would fail to respect the established pattern and character of surrounding developments.’

Now, new plans have been presented to the borough council to build 56 apartments with guest apartment, communal facilities, vehicular access and car parking at the site.

In a statement, Churchill Retirement Living said: “The general criticism of the scheme were concentrated around the proximity of the building being to close to the footpath, interrupting an established building line to the north side of London Road, and that the elevation facing London Road was not reflective of the ‘pavilion’ style buildings elsewhere in the conservation, notably Goldings House.”

In the new planning design statement submitted to the borough council, it read: “The revised concept of the scheme takes cues from the surrounding buildings, using the principles of proportionality and symmetry at its core.

“The general building strategy is that of a three-storey building, predominantly of brick, with a fourth floor of a different material, more lightweight in appearance, stepped back from the frontage of the first three.

“The first storey of the three is differentiated by a change in material to give the building a ‘plinth’ or ‘base’ and allow a system of proportionality to be established.”

As part of the proposed development, the complex will have facilities for an on-duty manager, a video entry system for residents and guests, communal area and landscaped garden for residents to enjoy.

Churchill Retirement Living said that the development will help bring a sense of community to older residents in Basingstoke who may otherwise feel lonely.

The statement continued: “The proposal for a single building with communal facilities, maintained amenity gardens, and an on-site daytime manager will encourage social interaction, and reduce isolation and loneliness.”

The applicant said they have been working closely with the planning officers to ensure previous issues have been rectified.

For more information or to comment on the plans visit planning.basingstoke.gov.uk and search 19/01822/FUL.