PENSIONERS may be moving in as officers move out if a scheme to turn a local police station into retirement apartments goes ahead.

Developer McCarthy and Stone has unveiled plans to create 37 apartments at Bridgwater police station, Northgate, once Avon and Somerset Police move to new premises being built at the Express Park outside Bridgwater.

The developer intends to submit a planning application in March.

A public consultation was held on Wednesday at Bridgwater Arts Centre where McCarthy and Stone displayed their plans and talked to potential apartment owners.

Charles Creed from The Planning Bureau, lead architect on the project, said: “It's close to the town centre and on a very good bus route.

“For that reason some of the people are from slightly further afield and want to move here. One lady who came was from Cornwall.

“One thing we take quite seriously is talking to local people and local authorities in advance. So far people have been quite receptive.”

Mr Creed is keen that the proposed apartments fit in with the local architecture.

“It's about enlivening and putting an active frontage on the street where currently one doesn't exist.”

Brian Smedley, councillor for Westover Ward, said people in the area were generally receptive to the plans. He said: “The only concern I received from neighbours and residents in the area was will there be enough parking spaces. Home Castle House is a similar building at it has 32 residents and only six parking spaces.”

A spokesperson from McCarthy and Stone confirmed that there will be 27 parking spaces for the new apartments.