There are plans underway to demolish Mayott House, the care home next to the fire station, and erect 42 (affordable) flats for frailer older people together with a communal lounge area and courtyard.

Currently Mayott House looks like an ordinary Abingdon terrace without any doors. The planning application says “the existing building is now outmoded and not suitable for use or conversion. As a result the home is being closed and most residents have already been found new accommodation”

The new design is three storeys high but the third storey has dormer windows in the roof – not wanting to be overbearing.

There was a public consultation a few months back about the plans. The main concern by neighbours was the disruption caused during construction. Lets hope this will provide a place where elderly people can live as independently and cheaply as possible and that it does not need knocking down in another 40 years. The plans will be decided upon in the next few weeks by the district council.

The planning appeal by the developers was considered at the end of May and now a decision has been made. Quoting the planning inspectorate website  http://www.pcs.planningportal.gov.uk/pcsportal/ViewCase.asp?caseid=2191911&coid=2183168

The outcome was Allowed.

The planning inspector thinks there is a real need for more housing in Abingdon.

But he says no development should happen until there is a guarantee that the traffic mitigation measures are to be put in place – that is the additional crossing of Ock Street to the east of Drayton Road, to “avoid severe transport effects that would otherwise arise from the development.”