By Julian Whittle

Last updated at 12:09, Saturday, 29 September 2012

Retirement flats can be built on the site of a former social club in Carlisle, despite neighbours’ concerns about the size of the development.

City councillors have granted McCarthy & Stone planning consent for 42 apartments on what used to be St Augustine’s social club in Waverley Gardens, off Scotland Road.

The city council received six objections and a 48-signature petition against the scheme, arguing that it would overpower neighbouring bungalows.

Speaking on behalf of the objectors, nearby resident Geoff Tindall told councillors on Friday: “The main objection is to the sheer scale of the development and the number of apartments.

“The maximum height, with three storeys and a roof, will tower above properties in Waverley Road. It won’t sit right in this area.”

The development control committee was due to consider the planning application in August.

But councillors delayed a decision because they felt there were too few two-bedroom apartments.

The plans show 28 one-bedroom flats and only 14 with two bedrooms. There is also a guest suite.

McCarthy & Stone agreed to the committee’s request to add more parking – there will be 28 spaces, four more than in the original planning application.

But it was not prepared to include more two-bedroom flats.

Planning officer Stephen Daniel told councillors: “They have 36 years’ experience and have 1,000 schemes across the country. They say that a ratio of two one-bedroom for every two-bedroom unit is in line with purchasers’ needs.”

Planning consultant Chris Butt, acting for McCarthy & Stone, said: “The scheme will provide independent living for the less-active elderly.”

First published at 11:52, Saturday, 29 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk