A RETIREMENT home complex could make way for 25 new houses in Caldicot if planners approve an upcoming application.

The application for the new homes would see the construction of 25 new Monmouthshire Housing Association (MHA) houses, made up of a range of three-bedroom and two-bedroom houses, two-bedroom bungalows and one-bedroom flats.

The Brookside elderly persons’ complex, itself an MHA site, was built in the 1970s and is currently vacant after previous residents have been gradually been relocated to alternative accommodation within Caldicot.

But concerns have been expressed by nearby residents about access to the site and potential loss of privacy due to the new homes.

If plans are approved, the existing elderly persons complex will be demolished and replaced with 25 new homes. These will be provided through a mix of six three-bedroom houses, 13 two-bedroom houses, two two-bedroom bungalows and four one-bedroom flats.

The site would be largely comprised of semi-detached dwellings, with one short terrace of three.

The existing access into the site for vehicles would be retained, and a minor alteration to the road would be made as it bends into the site.

There will also be one parking space per bedroom per property, up to a maximum of three spaces per property. Visitor parking would be accommodated on the newly proposed roads.

A public exhibition was held on Tuesday 11th October at Dewstow Primary School, which is located just over 800 metres from the site. It was found in the exhibition that around 30 per cent of those asked did not support the development in principle, while around 40 per cent opposed the design of the development.

The comments most frequently received related to traffic and access, a perception of anti-social behaviour and general design comments.

It has been highlighted that Brookside is, according to MHA, not fit for purpose in the long-term. It is highlighted that a significant proportion of the existing accommodation is undersized and the bathroom accommodation does not cater for those with mobility issues.

Residents of Brookside have been moved out of the accommodation over recent months, and provided with alternative dwellings within Caldicot. This, according to developers, will allow the site to be redeveloped for much need family housing to address demand within the town.