AN INQUIRY that will decide the future of a site within Thornbury’s conservation area began this week.

Churchill Retirement Living wants to build 57 sheltered flats and five cottages after demolishing existing buildings on the site of the former South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) offices in Castle Street.

However, because SGC failed to make a decision about the plans in time, the future of the site is now in the hands of government appointed planning inspector, Jameson Bridgwater.

The chartered town planner has been hearing evidence from representatives of Churchill Retirement and SGC at a four day inquiry which began at the Yate Town Council offices on Tuesday, April 25.

He highlighted “the effect of the proposal on the character and appearance of the [Thornbury] area” as being one of the main issues at stake in the decision to approve plans.

However, Neil Cameron, a lawyer representing Churchill Retirement Living, responded to the claim by saying that the existing building already “makes a negative contribution” on the area.

As such, he argues that the new building proposed by Churchill Retirement will actually be an “enhancement”. 

George Mackenzie, a lawyer representing SGC, listed several reasons for opposing the plans in his opening statement.

He cited “poor design” as being one of the main reasons for the council’s objections to the plans, and said: “It is not in the public interest to allow such a substandard scheme to be allowed.” 

Evidence will be given by both sides during the inquiry, which will be considered by Mr Bridgwater in line with the National Planning Policy Framework before he makes a decision in the next few weeks.