Retirement homes to replace car showroom

The Gates Ford dealership in Gascoyne Way could be replaced by retirement homes if East Herts District Council approve plans to redevelop the site.

Renaissance Retirement are planning to demolish the buildings currently on the site and build 36 new retirement apartments - a mix of one-bed, two-bed and three-bed units.

A similar planning application for 33 homes on the site was refused in 2016 despite a planning officer recommending that the plans be approved.

The site is within the town's Conservation Area and lies between period housing in West Street and modern offices in Pimlico Court. It is also close to the assisted living development on the former Sovereign House site.

Residents have three weeks to submit their comments on the proposals.