Plans for the �30m development on land at Grove Farm, Clifton, had provoked some opposition as it was close to green belt land.

The village, run by the ExtraCare Charitable Trust (ECT), will house 93 bungalows, 202 apartments and facilities such as a gym and spa.

If plans are accepted, work would start on the site in the summer of 2006.

'Good deal'

Council leader, John Collins, said: "The key thing with this kind of accommodation is that it gives people the opportunity to maintain their independence, with some support, as they get older.

"It would free up family accommodation for those people who are looking for council housing or housing association accommodation. It really is a good deal all round."

Previous plans to put up an elderly housing scheme on the site were unsuccessful but the ECT has increased the use of single-storey buildings in this application.

The village will be built on almost 14 acres of land and is expected to house more than 400 people.