Controversial plans for a retirement living complex of more than 70 properties in the centre of Bridport will be discussed next week. 

Churchill Living's planning application to build 48 retirement apartments and 25 cottages on the JC Philips site off South Street was submitted to Dorset Council in August.

Bridport Town Council will discuss the plans at its planning committee on Monday.

The town council is asked for input as a consultee, and can object or support an application, but it does not have the power to approve or refuse the application. 

Plans for the multi-million pound housing development for older people were first revealed back in March, when Churchill Living invited the public to take part in a consultation.

READ: Churchill Retirement Living ask for views on Bridport plans

It said the development would be designed for local people over the age of 60 who want to carry on living independently as they get older 'whilst enjoying safety, support and a social life.'

In July, representatives of the company attended a meeting of Bridport Town Council where they were quizzed by councillors and members of the public.

READ: Turning prime town centre spot into retirement homes 'a missed opportunity'

There was criticism over a lack of awareness about the prior consultation, and the need for more retirement accommodation in the town. 

In March 2019, McCarthy & Stone's proposals for 38 apartments on the former Mountjoy School site on Flood Lane were approved. 

Town councillors consistently raised concerns at that time over the use of the brownfield site for retirement living when, they stressed, there was a lack of affordable housing for young people and families in Bridport.

Concerns about a lack of social housing and rental properties for local people have only grown since. 

When Churchill Living's plans were first announced, the Bridport News met with locals in the town, including young adults unable to move out of their family home due to lack of accommodation, growing families struggling to find homes to suit their needs and prospective renters forced to look at towns in neighbouring counties due to a lack of availability. 

The developers told the meeting they were helping fulfil a ‘critical’ need for housing in the area with its plans for the gated community, however, using the site for accommodation for the elderly 'is a missed opportunity', one councillor rebutted. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend the town council's meeting on Monday at 7pm at Mountfield.