AN APPLICATION for 22 affordable homes at Fortey House in Northleach has been approved by Cotswold District Council’s planning committee.

The abandoned Fortey House on Fortey Road is to be turned into 22 affordable homes with associated access, car parking and landscaping.

A number of members showed support for the application at the meeting on June 11, as Fortey House has been sitting unused in the town for around four years.

Owned by Bromford Housing Association, the last elderly resident was forced to leave the house, which previously acted as apartments for the elderly, in 2010.

Chairman of Northleach with Eastington Town Council Cllr Vicki Hewer said the whole town had been left heartbroken after the house was abandoned for so long.

A full application to turn the site into 22 homes was submitted in January this year and has now been approved, with 14 members showing support for the recommended proposal.

As well as affordable housing on the site, financial contributions will be made by the developers towards educational establishments in the town.

The development will be required to fit in with and enhance the area as it will be visible from many areas of the town.