A PUBLIC meeting has been called in Kidlington tonight over plans for a 54-room retirement complex.

The Bedfordshire Pilgrims Housing Association Limited (BPHA) and the Orders of St John Care Trust want to build a 54-room extra care facility on the site of the demolished Thornbury House Children’s Home in The Moors.

Extra care homes offer older people supported independent living.

Concerns have been raised about the size and scale of the proposed development, and residents will get together to discuss their worries.

But BPHA, which has already reduced the height of the planned development by 2.3m and got rid of balconies opposed by neighbours, has announced it will not send a representative to the meeting.

John Lowe, of Lambs Close, said: “It could be that they don’t want their project exposed to proper public consultation, or that they are so confident that it’s going to get through the council, but either way it’s not good.”

BPHA was criticised after it was claimed its consultation event in late February was poorly advertised.

Kidlington district councillor Alaric Rose said: “I wasn’t notified of the consultation meeting. They didn’t notify the local councillors and held it the same night as the Cherwell District Council budget-setting meeting.

“I’m surprised the developers don’t want to go to the meeting on Monday.”

Kidlington parish council chairman David Betts said: “Planning policy guidance indicates that developers will be looked more favourably-upon if they are seen to be consulting.

“They arranged a consultation event, but gave only 48 hours’ notice and a lot of people were unable to attend. It’s also my understanding they didn’t make a record of what anyone said.

“They have made changes to proposals at the request of residents, but I still have reservations”

BPHA spokesman Bianca Mulligan said the company wanted to receive feedback through official channels.

She added: “Following a public consultation and parish council meeting with residents, we have made a full set of drawings available for scrutiny at the parish council offices and welcome feedback through the statutory planning consultation process.”

  • Tonight’s meeting is at Exeter Hall from 7pm.