A GILLINGHAM hotel which is set for demolition to pave the way for retirement homes has been given a temporary stay of execution.

Churchill Retirement applied for planning permission to knock down the Royal Hotel and erect 35 sheltered housing apartments in its place.

But the move sparked objections from some locals concerned about inadequate parking and potentially dangerous access. Some feared the proposed flats would be too close to existing houses and spoil the appearance of the town.

Gillingham Town Council also objected, stating: "The proposed development would constitute over-development of the site, resulting in a development of cramped appearance, effectively damaging the visual amenity and character of the town.

"Hardings Lane is the main route for Gillingham School. The proposed development would obstruct the visibility of motorists using the Hardings Lane junction and would therefore cause additional danger to road users and pedestrians."

The site lies on the edge of the town centre and already has planning permission for 21 general-needs flats and two shops.

The design of this revised application for 35 retirement flats replicates the style of the former Royal Hotel building.

But planners at North Dorset District Council said the application does nothing to add to its quota of affordable housing.

Councillors were told in a report: "There is an oversupply of housing within Gillingham. There is not considered to be any social community benefit in the scheme."

Councillors agreed with the officer's views and refused the application.