A former garage in Farnham Common could be replaced with 20 retirement flats under new plans submitted to the district council.

Developers want to knock down the old Phil Whitaker Cars, in Beaconsfield Road, and build the apartments with associated parking and landscaping.

McCarthy & Stone previously put in an application for 22 flats for the elderly, in April last year, which was refused after planning officers said the proposed development would look “overdominant, overbearing and obtrusive” when viewed from other properties on the street.

Officers also said it would result in an “unacceptable loss of privacy and daylight” to occupants of the surrounding properties, and that the proposal “failed to include” the provision of a “sufficient amount” of useable amenity space, “to the detriment” of the future residents.

They are now proposing to build a 20-flat development on the site, the design of which, they say, addresses the issues, with “modifications” to the design.

McCarthy & Stone said by moving into a retirement flat, older people would free up a “substantial” amount of housing, which could then be used by families, young couples and first time buyers.

They added that the decision by elderly people to “downsize” frees up family-sized housing, as well as flats and bungalows, “creating a better use of housing space within the locality”.

They also outlined the “benefit” to businesses in the area, which they said was “significant”.

The site currently appears to be home to a hand car wash.

A decision is expected to be made by Friday, May 12.