PLANS to turn the old Kennet District Council offices in Devizes into an assisted living retirement complex have now been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

Developer McCarthy & Stone has joined forces with Somerset Care to put forward the plan under the company name YourLife Management Services.

It wants to build 54 one and two bed apartments at the old Browfort council offices in Bath Road which have been empty since the creation of the new Wiltshire Council seven years ago.

Earlier this year the firm held an open day to show off its plans to councillors and other interested people.

This week McCarthy & Stone regional managing director Shane Paull said: “We’ve listened to what local residents have said about our initial proposals and have proceeded to submit an application to Wiltshire Council following unanimous support.

"We are delighted to receive the backing of the local community in Devizes.

“The application seeks to bring a long-vacant site, which is located in close proximity to important town centre shops and facilities and is already allocated for residential development, back into use with a thoughtfully designed building that meets the care needs of future residents and works well with existing site neighbours."

The developer believes the site is in an ideal location for the complex which will be aimed at people aged over 70.

Mr Paull said: "The average age of residents upon purchase is 83. In addition, the care team remain on site, which means that, beyond visitors, car ownership and traffic generation is very low.”

He also said the new development was likely to free up other houses in the town for families.

Town and Wiltshire councillors have welcomed the project as they are pleased the brownfield site will at least be developed.