AN UPDATE has been made on plans to transform the old Tesco Superstore in Cirencester into retirement flats. 

Churchill Retirement Living submitted initial plans to redevelop the former supermarket in Farrell Close, Cirencester into a retirement complex with up to 70 apartments for older people on Thursday, April 4. 

The site became empty last year after Tesco decided to close its larger store and replace it with a new smaller Express store in Cricklade Street.

Churchill Retirement Living is a construction company which specialises in accommodation for old people and decided to submit an application for an Environmental Impact Assessment Screening Opinion to understand if a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) would be required with any future application. 

Initial plans put forward include up to 70 flats, communal facilities, car parking plus 280sqm of commercial space which could be used for retail, a café, a restaurant, an office or a studio/start up space.

CDC issued a decision notice yesterday, Wednesday, April 17 which states that the proposed development would not have a significant impact on the environment. 

The notice states: "The proposed development will not be likely to have significant environmental effects having regard to its characteristics, size and location and is therefore considered not to be EIA development requiring the submission of an Environmental Statement.

"The site is located in an area which is sensitive in heritage terms, however, the existing Tesco building is identified as a negative building in the Cirencester Town Centre Character Appraisal and Management Plan.

"The existing site is considered not to be of any architectural or historic significance.

"It is considered that the proposal will not be on a significantly greater scale than the existing development and that the mix of commercial and residential is consistent with a town centre location."

CDC also indicated that longstanding plans to transform land and buildings adjacent to the vacant supermarket into a cinema and student accommodation, which were approved in 2014, could still come into fruition too. 

The planning authority added: "It is noted that permission for the re-development of adjacent land and buildings to a four screen cinema, student accommodation, restaurants and cafes, shops and refurbished public realm (14/01529/FUL). The aforementioned permission is extant. 

"The current proposal relates to a different site and would not prejudice the delivery of the permitted scheme.

"The cumulative effect of the two developments is unlikely to have significant environmental effects."

Churchill Retirement Living says its interest in the site is still at an early stage, and more details plans would need to complement the Emerging Neighbourhood Plan and Town Centre Masterplan for Cirencester.

In addition, further plans would also be subject to public consultation.

To review the company's current plans for the site visit tinyurl.com/3usf3van