AN “out-of-date” age limit preventing under 50s from living in an Alexandria retirement complex has been lifted – despite fierce opposition from residents.

The Cherry Tree Court development in the town’s Hill Street houses 12 flats and had a minimum occupancy age of 50 years-old – reduced from an initial age limit of 60 in 1996.

A similar bid to remove the limit on three out of the 12 flats was rejected by the council’s planning committee last year, but it was later overturned by the Scottish Government.

Pamela Clifford, the council’s planning and buildings manager, explained the Government’s Reporter determined the age limit was unnecessary and urged elected members to follow suit.

Councillors at last week’s committee meeting agreed to back the proposals put forward in chairman Councillor Jim Finn’s motion to remove the limit on all the remaining flats – despite objections from 10 residents within the block.

The ruling followed a lengthy debate during which Baillie Denis Agnew branded the council “barbarian” for its attempt to police the ages of residents within the block, prompting Cllr Finn to agree with council officers that the authority should “move with the times”.

Baillie Agnew said: “It seems to be draconian. It’s very difficult to enforce.”

He added: “We’re in danger of losing credibility. The Reporter has made it perfectly clear that removing the age limit is insignificant. We’re marginalising people here.”

Cllr Finn added: “I think that time has moved on, we don’t put age restrictions on anything now. We’ve got to move with the times.”

However, Cllr Lawrence O’Neil disagreed, pointing out the flats had been built for the purpose of retirement, as stated in the planning report which went before councillors, and approving the change would be going against the will of the residents currently living there..

He said: “I’m satisfied given the number of representations [from residents objecting to the change] and the original thoughts behind the build that this should stay as it is.”

Cllr Gail Casey agreed stating: “We have to take into account that some people have bought these flats with the view that there will only be people of a certain age within them.”

All three SNP councillors and Baillie Agnew backed Cllr Finn’s motion to grant the item, while two Labour councillors backed Cllr O’Neil’s motion to reject.