Plans for almost 60 homes to replace the old Devizes Community Hospital have been received positively by Devizes Town Council.

NHS Property Services submitted an outline planning application for around 59 new homes including a mix of apartments and terraced houses and green open spaces earlier this year.

An application for outline planning permission allows for a decision on the general principles of how a site can be developed. 

The old hospital service will be replaced by the £10.9m Health Centre on Marshall Road, which is nearing completion.

Devizes Mayor, Councillor Peter Corbett said: “We’re very positive about it”

Devizes Town cllr Andy Geddes added: “I think there was concern the site would be turned into high value housing and that they would capitalise on the fact that it’s adjacent to the canal with nice views and go for profit rather than community value but the reality is they’ve put in a nice mix of housing which may not be subsidised affordable housing within the technical definition but is certainly housing for ordinary families rather than luxury premium homes that they’re trying to screw every ounce of profit from.”

He added: “The provision of parking spaces seems to have been thought out well. Some of the existing buildings on the site are the worst excesses of 1950s utilitarian architecture but the older more heritage buildings on the site have been preserved in the design plans. “

He did not think the houses would create a traffic problem and said: “The development is within easy walking distance of the town centre so it’s not going to add to internal journeys within the town.”

But cllr Judy Rose questioned whether the extra housing was needed. 

“It will be fine and it’s great these people can walk to the town centre so won’t be relying on cars, but we don’t actually need more housing. The numbers have been fulfilled up to 2036 already. Anymore is just developers pushing in to make some money.”

The plans say affordable housing will be provided in line with Wiltshire Council policy.

Since Devizes Council was consulted there has been an improvement in the mix of housing to help single and starter families, more green and landscaped areas, more parking and more cycle storage. 

There will be 71 parking spaces and each house will have a garden.

Space for a potential café, restaurant or shop is also planned along with a bat house, to care for the bats currently roosting on the site.