AMBITIOUS plans to redevelop Newton Abbot's historic hospital site have been hailed as a great opportunity for the town.

Developers Keyworker Homes Ltd received plaudits for the quality of their plans to transform the redundant 3.4-hectare site in East Street to provide new homes, a 48-bed retirement home, care facility, retail units, doctor's surgery, dental practice and a vets.

'Great care has been taken to develop this site. The layout is good and great care has been taken to incorporate listed buildings,' said Cllr Humphrey Clements, chairman of planning committee at Monday's meeting.

'It is a great opportunity for Newton Abbot,' said Cllr Mary Colclough – a view echoed by several members.

Members welcomed the decision by the Blackpool-based firm to substitute a doctor's surgery for a hotel, after widespread concerns were expressed over car parking.

The number of new homes has been increased from 52 to 56, also in response to representations. Of these, 13 units will be affordable.

It is a complicated scheme on an awkward steeply sloping site. A number of the less attractive modern buildings will be demolished but the Grade II listed Outpatients Block and Templer House, part of the original 1830s workhouse will remain.

Several members asked for stonework from buildings earmarked for demolition to be reused where possible and for a sculpture to be re-sited under Percent for Art provisions.

Members were reassured that their concerns should be covered by a condition attached to listed building consent.

The change of use application was passed unanimously subject to 39 conditions covering everything from breeding birds to the timetable and method of any pile-driving on site.

The developers will also have to pay £136,000 towards open space and recreation and another £24,000 towards air quality management.