PLANS have been submitted to build retirement accommodation on the site of a derelict hotel in Wroughton.

The Ivy Hotel, on Moormead Road, closed its doors in 2013 after going into liquidation and has been empty ever since.

It has since become a target for vandals and anti-social behaviour, with police having to be called to the former 32-bedroom hotel more than 30 times last year.

Now McCarthy and Stone have taken over the site and have submitted a proposal to build 38 retirement living apartments.

Almost 100 people attended a public engagement event in February and following a broadly positive response, the company has decided to move forward.

Shane Paull, McCarthy and Stone’s Regional Managing Director, said one of the main responses given by those who attended was there is a need for this style of development in Wroughton.

He said: “We are really pleased by the reaction we have received to the proposals, and that those who came and spoke to us also think this is a good use of the derelict site.”

“We want our proposals to bring the site back into use with a high-quality, sensitive scheme. We have paid close attention to the design of the front of the scheme, so this is once again an attractive site for Moormead Road.”

Initially there were concerns from some residents about the amount of parking spaces proposed.

But the number in the planning application has now been increased to 31 for the 38 apartments.

The proposals involve demolishing the existing buildings, which are currently boarded up, and putting up a new facility.

A full assessment has been carried out to look at the heritage value of the building, which was built at some point during the 19th century.

“The proposed scheme presents an excellent opportunity to greatly enhance this part of Wrougton,” says a report into the heritage of the structure submitted with the application.

“It will remove buildings that are of very mixed character, and replace them with a fine new assisted housing facility.

“The remnant of the late 19th -century house had already lost one wing in the late 20th century during (we presume) conversion from farmhouse to hotel use.

“The remaining historic fabric has been further traduced by the modern extensions to its north and east, as well as internally.

“Little of note had survived the conversion to hotel use and extensive vandalism since closure has further reduced what residual interest it had.”

More information on the application can be found by visiting www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/wroughton.