A multi-million pound scheme to replace a Cotswold supermarket with a retirement complex has been thrown out.

Last year, Churchill Living submitted a planning application to Cotswold District Council to redevelop the former Tesco's store in Farrell Close with a four-storey complex providing 69 retirement apartments.

The supermarket closed down in April 2023, with a nearby Tesco Express store opening in Cricklade Street.

The scheme also included communal facilities, car parking and landscaping, as well as the construction of three separate shop units in Farrell Close.

However, the scheme was strongly opposed by dozens of residents and the town council which said it directly conflicted with the emerging Cirencester Neighbourhood Plan (CNP).

Now Cotswold District Council has refused the planning application.

In the decision notice, the council states that the application site lies within Cirencester (Town Centre) Conservation Area.

It says: "The current proposal, by virtue of the bulk and massing of the proposed development, and its elevational design and materials, would neither reflect nor complement the historic character, the organic growth, or the palette of materials that characterise the conservation area.

"The proposal would neither preserve nor enhance the character and appearance of the Cirencester (Town Centre) Conservation Area, nor sustain its significance as a designated heritage asset. The harm would be less than substantial albeit considerable, but would not be outweighed by any public benefits."

The council also says the proposed development does not make adequate provision for affordable housing, contrary to the requirements of Local Plan Policies H2 and H4.

In addition, the council says: "The amenity of future occupiers of a number of the proposed apartments would be compromised by the proposed noise and overheating mitigation measures, such as non-opening windows and a reliance on mechanical and trickle ventilation. In addition, the proximity of the ground floor apartments to existing public car parks raises concerns with regard to the quality of life that would be enjoyed by future occupants of the development, especially in light of the demographic age group that would reside in the proposed development."

The council adds that the application site is located within the zone of influence of Cotswold Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The SAC is an internationally important biodiversity site. Over recent years, recreational pressures from visitors to the site have increased and are now causing considerable damage to the wildlife value of the SAC. As the proposed development falls within Zone of Influence and will provide additional living accommodation, there is potential for the proposal to lead to more visitors to, and thus more recreation pressures on the SAC.

Finally, the notice states that no mechanism is in place to secure a financial contribution towards library services, contrary to Local Plan Policy INF1.

Churchill specialises in building retirement accommodation and has more than 170 developments nationwide, including a site in Cheltenham.