DEVELOPERS look set to build a care home on the site formally earmarked for a Sainsburys superstore in Bishop’s Waltham.

Plans by Beechcroft Developments would see the construction of a 66-bed care home at Station Road, as well as 39 assisted living units, 19 family houses and 12 affordable homes.

The planning application also includes the demolition of the historic Abbey Mill but architects Richard Morton have since stated they will be bringing forward revised proposals which would include retaining the building.

At present, Sainsburys still owns the site.

The supermarket giant scrapped its plans for a major new superstore at the site back in June 2015 after a six-year battle.

The retailer was also due to build a £1.6 million GPs’ surgery as part of the plans.

The controversial proposals, first announced in 2009, split Bishop’s Waltham during a long planning battle.

Anti-Sainsbury’s campaigners said the national chain would impact on the town’s high street and independent businesses, while supporters said the store would be a victory for consumer choice.

The Bishop’s Waltham Society is objecting to the current application, as it says the proposal fails to meet policies within the Bishop’s Waltham Design Statement 2016.

One of the concerns the society raises is that some of the proposed development would be at three or four storeys, which they say would damage the view from Botley Road towards Bishop’s Waltham.

In a letter to Winchester City Council’s planning department, the society said: “We feel strongly that the inclusion and dominance of three and four storey buildings on the site is unacceptable and could end up irreversibly damaging the unique character of Bishop’s Waltham.”

Other concerns include a lack of variation in the design of the homes and a lack of affordable housing, which is not integrated within the rest of the development.

Tony Kippenberger, chairman of the Bishop’s Waltham Society, said: “We are naturally pleased that the decision has been made to retain the Abbey Mill after all. It is an important heritage asset for the town.

“But we were disappointed by the inclusion of three and four-storey buildings in the plans which could set a dangerous precedent and is contrary to Bishop’s Waltham’s Design Statement. We look forward to seeing the revised plans when they are available.”

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