Huntly, the sheltered accommodation in Bishopsteignton for retired servicemen and women, will close unless the latest plans for its multi-million pound redevelopment are approved, its operators claim.

The number of residents, whose average age is 90, has fallen from 29 to 13 in the past 18 months as government initiatives to keep elderly people in their own homes take effect.

The depressed housing market has also taken its toll, with would-be Huntly residents unable to sell their properties.

The current facility offers supported living in 31 one-bedroom studio flats but staff are neither qualified nor allowed to offer the personal care ageing residents need.

Now its owner, The Officers' Association, has teamed up with the charity Care South to gain planning permission for a fully fledged care complex with 21 extra-care flats and a 52-bedroom care home.

To create the extra space it is proposed to demolish a 19th century coach house, remove a flat-roofed extension, build a new care wing and a separate apartment block.

The services would be available to the wider population.

The latest proposals have been submitted to Teignbridge Council and replace an earlier plan that was withdrawn last summer after a number of objections.

The applicants said they had made alterations such as adopting traditional materials and reducing the amount of building in the 4.5 acre grounds.

In a statement they said: 'Since the withdrawal of the original application we have undertaken extensive consultation with the local authorities' planning, conservation and highways officers in order to develop proposals which will be more acceptable.'

Governor David Hourahane said obtaining planning permission was now critical.

'The executive board of The Officers' Association want this wrapped up by September so submitting the application now means it should be heard in March,' he said.

'That way if we have to close, and hopefully that won't be the case but it's definitely an option, we will have time to rehouse our residents.

'Although the number of residents has fallen the high costs of maintenance and keeping Huntly open have not. We simply can't afford to keep the place going.'

The Officers' Association and Care South said a petition of support for Huntly had been signed by more than 100 residents.

In a joint statement John Sutherell, general secretary of The Officers' Association, and Susan Willoughby, chief executive of Care South, said: 'Under the proposal current residents will have the opportunity to remain at Huntly and the home can continue playing a full part in local community life.

'However, if a suitable planning permission is not obtained, it is likely that Huntly will have to close.'