THE Forest looks set to get two new retirement villages over the next few years.

Councillors have agreed to try to find a partner to create an OAP development in Bank Street car park in the middle of Coleford.

And a private company has submitted plans to demolish the boarded up George Hotel in Mitcheldean to make way for a retirement complex.

The ambitious plans for an 'extra care' facility in Coleford are at a very early stage. They will depend on the sewerage problems in the town centre being sorted out and the council finding a partner.

But plans for a smaller version in Mitcheldean are well developed and have the support of the parish council and villagers, who say it would transform an eyesore site.

Developers have modelled the design on the way the historic pub looked in the days before the owners were forced to reduce the height of the building.

They have also worked the design of the 32 units around a memorial garden to honour three young local men who lost their lives in a car crash, and a popular walnut tree will be retained.

Developers point out that despite efforts to revive it, the pub has been closed for nearly 18 months and Mitcheldean does not have retirement accommodation for older people who want to stay in the village.

Architect Tony Allies says it is too soon to say when his clients, Ferrybridge Ltd, will start work on the site because the plans have to be approved in outline and detail first.

But he said: "We have been working with the parish council and the public and have changed the plans to come up with a scheme everybody likes.

"Depending on planning, work could start in about a year's time.

"We want to go ahead as soon as possible because it really is an exciting scheme and one that I am very proud of."

Ferrybridge will also submit further plans to convert outbuildings into cottages at a later date.

The developers submitted their plans days before a report to cabinet claiming Bank Street in Coleford presents the council with a unique opportunity to develop a landmark project.

Councillors were told that in years to come they will have to find suitable homes for an increasingly older population and free up family homes with gardens.

Some of the current sheltered housing schemes are losing popularity because they are in isolated parts of the Forest.

But because the Coleford site is level, central and close to amenities such as banks, shops, GPs and the new library, the cabinet believe it would be perfect for a large retirement village.

The South West Regional Development Agency has agreed to pay for the county council to hand over the former library and community centre site to the district, provided they come up with a suitable plan.

Councillor Brian Robinson, cabinet member for an efficient council, said the Bank Street scheme would take into account that because people are living longer, two generations could be in retirement at the same time.

He said: "They would have two or three bedrooms with their own kitchen and bathroom and there would be cafes, restaurants and medical facilities on site.

"It will recognise that people may move in when they are fit and healthy but will want to access support as and when they need it."