A PARISH council in North Somerset has given hope to developers who want to build a £23million scheme in Sandford. St Monica's Trust wishes to build a retirement village and a dementia care home on the former Sandford Stone site in Station Road. Previous

A PARISH council in North Somerset has given hope to developers who want to build a £23million scheme in Sandford. St Monica's Trust wishes to build a retirement village and a dementia care home on the former Sandford Stone site in Station Road.Previously, its proposals were rejected by Winscombe and Sandford Parish Council due to the use of greenbelt land and concerns over the safety of pedestrians near the proposed entrance.However, at a parish council meeting last week, councillors agreed on amendments to the original plans submitted by the trust.Alterations include the introduction of affordable housing and the removal of car parking spaces, which would have been close to residents living in Roman Road, which backs onto the proposed site.The changes were announced at a site meeting attended by North Somerset councillors and villagers two weeks ago. The developers were also keen to outline the benefits of the scheme to residents such as access for elderly villagers to facilities including a gym, and indoor swimming pool and a hair salon. The council's planning committee chairman, Archie Forbes, said he was happy with the amendments but still opposed to allowing any building on greenfield land.District councillors will discuss the plans will at a south area committee meeting on July 18.