PLANS for a new retirement complex in Andover town centre have been met with concerns over crime and lack of parking. 

Churchill Retirement Living has submitted proposals to Test Valley Borough Council to convert the former Simplyhealth office block, Alan Child House, into 69 retirement apartments, alongside communal facilities. 

The Borden Gates site is currently vacant after the health insurance provider consolidated its offices into two locations. 

Prior to the plans being submitted, a scoping consultation took place and Andover Town Council was asked to submit its comments.

Concerns were raised surrounding the number of parking spaces, with only 23 planned. 

Cllr Christopher Ecclestone said: “A lot of these people are active retirees, it’s not an old people’s home. These people will want cars and want to move about. People want to remain mobile, and public transport on the weekend is diabolical!”

Hampshire Police’s Designing Out Crime officer has also raised an issue with a footpath which is planned to run along the side of the site and its potential to attract criminal behaviour. 

You can read the full story and reaction in this week's paper. Also in this week's edition:

  • The county council has said that travel plans are being ‘updated’ in response to concerns over how school expansions will affect traffic in Andover.
  • An Andover councillor is encouraging residents to take part in a survey aimed at assessing demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging points, after one woman’s fight for accessible parking left her having to get rid of her eco car.
  • A new mayor and deputy mayor of Andover have been elected by the Andover Town Council.
  • An Anna Valley woman has shared her secret to a long life as she turns 100.
  • An Andover woman is over the moon after finding her missing African Grey parrot, thanks to the incredible efforts of the Andover community and a very brave man.
  • Five years after originally forming, an education trust which runs schools in Tidworth and Ludgershall is excited to announce that it is rebranding.
  • A new three-decade lease has been signed to secure Tidworth Town Football Club’s pitches and open the space to more people. 
  • The team behind one of the pieces set to feature in an Andover film festival has said they hope their work ‘resonates’ with people who have gone through the tragedy of child loss. 
  • PLUS: Two pages of YOUR letters
  • PICTURES: A-Fest youth festival returns to town for its eighth event
  • An eight-page puzzle special
  • Entertainment news
  • Sports news
  • And much, much more
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