A former milk depot which was set to be turned into apartments could now be transformed into retirement accommodation.

In December planning permission was granted for the demolition of all existing buildings on the Dairy Crest Depot in St John's Road and the construction of 58 apartments.

The original proposal, which included a basement car-park and new access, was approved despite more than 100 objections.

McCarthy and Stone, a retirement housebuilder, has now purchased the site and is proposing to redevelop it with assisted living apartments.

Last week the company held a public exhibition displaying its plans. More than 2,000 surrounding homes and businesses were invited to attend.

The proposal is for approximately 48 one and two-bed assisted living apartments and 24 car parking spaces.

The plans follow on from Ashill Land’s previously consented application for 58 residential apartments, which established the principle for redeveloping the site.

A McCarthy and Stone spokesman said the scheme is estimated to invest around £8 million into the local economy, creating over 50 jobs during construction and up to 18 once operational.

As the changes proposed will require the existing application to be revised, a pre-application community consultation programme has begun.

A McCarthy and Stone spokesman said: "The public exhibition was an excellent opportunity for us to understand the views of the local community and to receive feedback.

“The residents we met with were largely accepting of the benefits this development would bring, especially when compared with the previously consented scheme" - McCarthy and Stone spokesman

“The residents we met with were largely accepting of the benefits this development would bring, especially when compared with the previously consented scheme.

"There is a far lower level of traffic generation when compared with open-market schemes and a development of this type and size would typically see residents spend around £1.2 million in the local economy each year.

“Generally, we find our residents move from within a five mile radius of their new home and we believe this site is an ideal location to provide much-needed accommodation for people in later life, benefiting from its close proximity to nearby shops and public transport links.

“It is important that a community meets the housing needs of all its residents. This development would provide local older people the opportunity to downsize while still remaining in the area, which will free up family homes for the younger generation."

Assisted living developments provide an enhanced level of care cover from typical sheltered housing schemes, with additional facilities including an on-site restaurant.

For more information call 0800 298 7040 or click here.