Another hurdle in plans to demolish eyesore retirement complex
Permission for new homes was granted two years ago
Plans to replace an abandoned retirement complex in Marlborough with affordable homes have hit another hurdle.
Built in 1957, the eyesore retirement complex is currently empty and boarded up.
In March 2024, Wiltshire Council voted to grant planning permission to housing association Aster to demolish the over-55s complex of flats and bungalows at York Place in the St Martin’s area of town and replace it with 28 houses.
But the deal was not finalised for over a year, as the council and housing association wrangled over a legal agreement.
And with plans to build the 13 one-bedroom and 15-two bed properties finally agreed in April 2025, there has been no activity at the site for over a year.
Now, Aster has told Wiltshire Council it has been unable to guarantee an adequate power supply to the homes, and has asked for permission to build an electricity substation.
The housing association considered putting the substation in the car park.
But as that would mean the loss of two parking spaces in an area where car parking is at a premium, it has decided to incorporate the substation into the terrace of cottages.
It means reducing one of the properties from a two-bedroom house to a one-bedroom flat, which will sit above the substation.
Aster is seeking permission from Wiltshire Council to rejig the design of the frontage, which is built to complement the 18th and 18th century cottages on the opposite side of the road.
A decision is expected by the end of July.