RESIDENTS had their chance to see plans for retirement homes on a former school site in Winchester.

More than 50 people, including city and county councillors, viewed Renaissance Retirement's proposal to re-develop the Kings' School boarding house.

The public consultation at Winchester Business School showcased plans for over-55s living accommodation.

The proposal was developed after the Ringwood-based business secured control of the site following a tender process run by present owners, Hampshire County Council.

The early plans propose the site’s redevelopment with 29 two-bedroom apartments, which would be contained in a single three storey building with 42 dedicated parking spaces.

Following the public exhibition, feedback will be taken into account before the plans for the site are finalised and submitted to the city council.

An application could be made by early February, and if the green light is given to the plans, work could start on the development in autumn 2017.

Simon McFarlane, associated planning director at Renaissance Retirement, said: “We were very pleased with feedback and comments from local people to our plans. We’re aware of the housing need in the City and especially, that which exists for accommodation for older people.

"Given the site’s location, we are also very alive to the need to design a high quality scheme, which is right for Winchester and right for the character of the immediate area.

He added: “We always value community feedback on our proposals and are now looking at how we can accommodate them into the scheme.”