Rochford approve plans for huge retirement complex

Cherry Orchard Homes and Villages Ltd have been given approval to begin work on a new “senior living village” at Cherry Orchard Brickworks, in Cherry Orchard Way.

It will also include a GP service, a community hall, convenience/express store, and office space including site management.

All blocks on site will benefit from communal lounges.

Rochford resident Elise Farrow, 26, welcomed the approval of the plans.

She said: “I think it is actually going to be great for the community and the older population.

“It is not secret that the demographic in these areas is considerably older, Hockley being a great example.

“With the cost-of-living crisis, a lot of these people will be struggling, and such forth may want to downsize.

“The addition of sheltered accommodation is also great for those needing homes too.

“Unfortunately, a lot of the residents of the surrounding areas are very close-minded about the development of the area.”

Plans will see a retirement village consisting of 32 over-55s apartments, 22 over-55s houses, nine over-55s bungalows, 30 over-55s assisted living apartments, 34 over-55s sheltered apartments, and a 93-bed care home.

As part of the proposed development the management company will provide a shuttle bus service from the application site to surrounding towns, including frequent transfers to and from Rochford.

Mike Steptoe, Conservative councillor responsible for Roche South, added: “It is certainly a facility that Rochford has not had before.

“It will be interesting to see it develop. I think it is a good asset to have.

“They have included lots of facilities in there as well to help with care, so it is quite complex.

“One of the things, they are providing is a bus service too, which is good as I was concerned by the lack of a bus service along Cherry Orchard Way.

“I don’t think the impact on roads is a great concern because with the residents being more of the elderly population, there won’t be as many cars.”