PLANS to build a retirement village on the site of a former garden centre in Chester have been given the green light.

The proposal for 147 apartments – described as a "series of villas" – at the former Beechmoor Garden Centre has been rubber stamped today (March 26) by Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The retirement village on Whitchurch Road in Boughton Heath will include a community shop, gym, wellness suite and café, which will be open to people living in the area.

The applicant, Retirement Villages, said the scheme will deliver a £39m boost to the local economy, create 30 full-time roles and more than 300 jobs through the construction process, and increase spending in the area by £1.5 million every year.

The full planning application, which includes the demolition of existing buildings on the site, was submitted in September last year following a two-stage public consultation.

The site has existing planning permission – gained by another developer – which was also for a retirement village.

Speaking last year, Guy Flintoft, planning director at Retirement Villages, said: "This retirement village is designed to benefit not only its residents but the surrounding area.

"We’ve listened to local feedback, which has influenced the design but also the range of community amenities we're proposing. If you live locally, you'll be able to grab a coffee from the café, make use of the gym and treatment rooms or walk or cycle through the site."

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