Part of a former school site in Chalfont St Peter will be turned into retirement flats after new plans were given the green light.

The controversial Holy Cross Convent School site, close to greenbelt land at Gold Hill Common, will see 38 assisted living apartments being built, which developers say will “help to meet a specific local need for older people’s accommodation” in the village.

The site has been surrounded by controversy from the start, with Chalfont St Peter Parish Council’s High Court appeal to continue using the site as a school in 2014 failing, and residents and the council strongly opposing proposals for new housing development in its place.

The part of the site retirement housebuilder McCarthy and Stone will develop was originally given planning permission for a 74-bedroom care home.

Bosses say their plans for the site are similar to the initially approved scheme, but will “deliver the benefits of extra care accommodation rather than the traditional care home model”.

Ali Maruf, Regional Managing Director (North London), said: “We are delighted that Chiltern District Council has approved our application in Chalfont St Peter.

“We believe that there is a real need for this type of accommodation in the village.”

The new development will include a “wellness suite”, function room and restaurant service, as well as 24 car parking spaces and landscaping.