A SINGLE family home in Old Town could be knocked down to provide sheltered accommodation for adults with learning difficulties.

Nathan Maysey and CL Thomas, who already own and run care homes in Lansdown Road and Bath Road in Old Town, have applied to knock down the large four-bedroom bungalow Sulvedene two doors north of the Town Gardens and build a block of 11 flats in its place.

The pair already own the building and site.

The plans show a three-storey H-shaped building could be constructed on the spot where the bungalow now stands – it would have 11 one-bed flats, all with bathroom and a single-open plan kitchen, dining and living space, four on the ground and first floors and three on the second floors.

Mr Maysey says the planned building will be more in keeping with the area than the existing 1960s bungalow.

He said: “The building has been designed to reflect the 1930s characteristics of the Old Town Conservation Area around Quarry Road with the provision of square bay windows and timber detailing to the front.”

His application describes the bungalow as being of poor design which detracts from the appearance of the area.

The plan is to allow residents independent living but with 24-hour care assistance on hand in the building.

To create three parking spaces in front of the house, two for staff and one for visitors, the large cypress trees and the wall which screen the property from Quarry Road will be removed.

But the application says they will be replaced by native hedging and tree species and what it calls “a new natural stone wall to tie in with the property to the north and improve the street frontage.”

Mr Maysey said the flats are needed to provide sheltered but independent accommodation.

He said: “Swindon Borough Council identifies supported housing is required to help vulnerable people live independently.

Saying he already runs care homes for adults with learning difficulties at Lindum House in Bath Road and the facility behind it at 52a Lansdown Road Mr Maysey added he is “acutely aware of the additional benefits of supported independent living”.

He said the flats would not be available for sale and residents would have to meet the criteria for supported housing needs

The council’s highways officer has expressed concerns about whether three parking spaces is enough. His report said three spaces is not unreasonable for 11 flats – but Quarry Road is very narrow and there is a danger of cars reversing out of the property.

He has asked for more information, including the experience of similar facilities in the area, likely pattens of use of the parking and an assurance that the residents of the flats will not have driving licences.

Comments on the application, which can be viewed on swindon.gov.uk should be made by Thursday, June 4.