Rejected plans for more than 100 retirement apartments to be built on the site of a former college in Chippenham have gone to an appeal.

The proposal to demolish the former Chippenham Secondary and Technical School Building built in 1898 on Cocklebury Road and replace it with 113 apartments was rejected in February.

A government planning inspector will now decide if the plan for the red-brick building last used by Wiltshire College will go-ahead or not.

The scheme was for two big blocks, accommodating a total of 113 apartments for the elderly.  

It was refused because the council decided it would harm the character of the area and is not a high-quality design according to the decision notice

The appeal was put through on June 16 and the appeal forms says: “The Local Planning Authority has failed to properly balance the significant and material benefits of the proposals (adequately or at all).”

It adds there is a “substantial level of public interest in the proposals.”

A date has yet to be decided for the inquiry into the appeal.

One block would consist of 44 apartments and the other would have 69.

There were to be 71 new parking spaces.

The plans triggered a lot of controversy, with many objections.

One comment made on the application says: “I strongly object to the proposal for a further retirement complex.

“The town does not have the required infrastructure to support further retirement buildings.

“There is not enough standard housing whilst there is a proliferation of retirement buildings currently available.

“You will also notice that any staffing needed there is always a shortage within Chippenham anyway.

“Add to this the lack of GP facilities already within Chippenham and then add more residents of the town who will likely need a higher than average medical support, it is untenable.

“The location is also not appropriate for elderly with having to navigate steep hills to access basic amenities.

“Also the large increase of traffic from construction would further exacerbate the awful traffic build ups on station hill.”

Another says: “Please stop building retirement apartments that will sit empty because nobody can afford them with their underperforming pensions.

"It’s a wonderful building. Why not use it for something that caters for the whole community (and doesn’t involve wastefully knocking it down to build something else) How about a proper music, sports and arts centre? "Everyone complains about the youth causing trouble. Give them something to do for goodness sake!

"You could use the space for live performances. You could give lessons on DJing, singing, performing, painting, acting, sports coaching, baking, arts and crafts. For ALL AGES! The possibilities are endless!”