Churchill Retirement plans get objection from Romsey Town Council

Churchill Retirement Living has submitted an application for 47 apartments at the former Edwina Mountbatten House care home.

Romsey Town Council's planning committee submitted an objection to the development at its meeting on Thursday August 3.

On Friday August 4, nine public objections had been submitted, six of which were from residents of nearby Palmerston Street. 

READ MORE: Romsey planning: Opposition to Churchill Retirement Living plans

Also, five of the statutory consultees submitted an objection.

Speaking at the town council's meeting, Cllr Ian Culley said: “The proposal would ruin the gateway to Romsey. It looks like plonking Trump Towers in the middle of a historic town. It's too high and it's overbearing. 

“It's also out of character for the street scene. It's one of the most significant sites in Romsey. The generic block of apartments is not suitable for the location.”

Cllr John Parker questioned the lack of affordable housing in the proposals. Cllr Russell Theron said: “I'm not opposed to good quality retirement accommodation. We are in the middle of a housing crisis. But this needs to be in keeping with the area. It's too large, there are lots of issues.”

In an objection on Test Valley Borough Council's planning website, Steven Smith, of Palmerston Street, said: “The new design is substantially larger than the existing building, which would result in a much more prominent entrance to the town centre. 

“I would urge the planning authorities to reject the current proposal and invite the developers to design a building with respect to the adjacent conservation area and listed buildings.”

SEE ALSO: Romsey planning Edwina Mountbatten House hoarding objection

Fellow Palmerston Street resident Christopher Wingrove said: “As a nearby resident, I am concerned with the increased pressure on infrastructure. Parking and traffic is already a concern for many residents in Romsey, and while I see the submissions saying this would not cause capacity issues, it clearly will not help a situation that is creaking and of concern to many residents already.”

On Churchill's planning statement, it said: “The site is in a highly sustainable location being situated on the edge of the retail town centre with east access to nearby food stores and other necessities. It offers opportunities for the future residents to walk to a range of services and facilities located a very short distance from the site. This is particularly important as people age, with many having to give up driving. 

“The scheme has been designed to reflect the character and scale of the surrounding area along Palmerston Street and Broadwater Road, whilst at the same time seeking to make the most efficient use of this sustainable site.”

To view the plans online, search 23/01700/FULLS on Test Valley Borough Council's planning portal.