Plans to convert a town centre commercial unit into retirement housing have been approved on appeal despite objections.

In 2023, Churchill Retirement Living Ltd applied to convert unit four of its Orchard Lodge development in Calne into housing for over 55s.

The site, located near Sainsbury’s at The Pippin, had been made up of four commercial units and 39 apartments for retirees.

But the firm applied to convert the fourth retail unit into another two-bedroom retirement apartment claiming there had been a “lack of interest” in the property from retailers.

This application was initially rejected by Wiltshire Council over fears the loss of commercial space would “adversely impact the vitality and viability of the town centre”.

But, following an appeal, a planning inspector has now overturned this decision and granted planning permission for the change of use.

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The inspector noted that the main issue of contention was whether the development would harm Calne town centre, but ruled that it would not due to the current inability to find an occupant for the unit.

The appeal decision said: “The main pedestrian thoroughfare between Sainsburys, located on the opposite side of The Pippin, and the main shopping area, is Phelps Parade.

“Unit four is furthest from this route which, in combination with its elevated position in relation to the street and footpath, means it does not benefit from passing footfall.

“Moreover, the unit has no retail shopfront window. These factors make the unit less attractive to retailers.

“As a vacant unit, the appeal property does not contribute to the vitality or viability of the town centre.

“The evidence indicates that there are other, more attractive options closer to the main shopping area, including the other units within the development which benefit from retail style shopfronts.”

Unit four at Orchard LodgeUnit four at Orchard Lodge (Image: Rightmove) A marketing statement submitted by Churchill Retirement Living claimed the space had been marketed since August 2023, but no formal offers had been received.

The inspector also noted that, of the four commercial units at the development, only one had been filled and this was by a sales office to market the residential apartments.

The scheme will move forward despite objections from both Wiltshire Council and Calne Town Council.

During an initial public consultation, the town council argued a commercial space in an “important town centre location” should not be lost.