An exhibition to display proposals for retirement accommodation on land on the corner of Palmers Field Avenue, Chichester, which forms part of Graylingwell Park, was attended by over 40 local residents and stakeholders on Tuesday 3rd July.
McCarthy and Stone’s plans represent an attractive development of this prominent corner site with approximately 60 one and two-bedroom Retirement Living Plus (Extra Care) apartments specifically designed to meet the needs of people in later life, together with attractive landscaped gardens and on-site car parking.
The exhibition was held at The Linden Homes’ Sales & Marketing Suite, Connolly Way on Tuesday 3rd July between 3.30pm – 7pm. Local residents and stakeholders were invited to view the plans, discuss the proposals with members of the project team, and provide their comments.
Martin Brown, Development Director for McCarthy and Stone said: “The public exhibition was an excellent opportunity for us to understand the views of the local community and receive their feedback on the proposals. We are delighted that we have received so much support for the principle of this type of development, both at the exhibition and through formal feedback, reaffirming that there is very much a local need for Extra Care accommodation for older homeowners in the area. I would like to thank everyone for their positive and constructive comments.
“We have worked hard to ensure our proposals create a development that complements the local area, and fits with the wider design approach for Graylingwell Park. The site is well-located, close to nearby shops and services, including local bus routes, which provide good links to the wider community.”
McCarthy and Stone will review all feedback received from the consultation before submitting its planning application to Chichester District Council in the coming weeks.
The redevelopment of the site offers an important opportunity to provide much-needed specialist retirement accommodation, increasing the housing choice for local older people. Chichester District Council predicts that there will be a 37% increase in the number of over 65s in the area by 2029. Given the projected increase in the older population, Chichester District Council’s Local Plan also highlights that there is a need to “make provision for new homes of the right quality, location, type, size and tenure; including specialist housing for older people.”
Extra Care developments enable older homeowners to live independent, healthy and active lives in their own home with flexible care and support available on-site 24 hours a day. Qualified YourLife care professionals offer around-the-clock, flexible personal care and support packages, tailored to the individual needs of homeowners. Approximately 15-20 equivalent full-time posts would be created on-site if the scheme is delivered.
If approved, the proposals will also provide a significant economic boost to businesses in Chichester. Independent academic research has shown that almost 80% of McCarthy and Stone homeowners shop locally at least once a week and the company estimates this would translate into £670,000 of spending in Chichester’s economy annually.
McCarthy and Stone would like to encourage those that have further questions or require more information to contact the project team via its Freephone information line on 0800 298 7040, or they can email feedback@mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk.