McCarthy Stone plans for Hadleigh retirement apartments

The company has submitted plans to Castle Point Council to build 39 apartments on land off Park Chase, Hadleigh, as “high quality accommodation” for older residents.

Residents on social media have raised a series of concerns about the new homes being built, however some have acknowledged this “form of housing is needed in the area”.

The plans, submitted this week to the council, include 22 one-bed apartments and 17 two-bed apartments.

Tim Copsey, a Hadleigh resident who has regularly opposed inappropriate developments in the area, has backed the plans.

He said: “We have a similar building scheme in Hadleigh, next to Morrisons, for older people that works well.

“There is a high demand for high quality accommodation for older residents in Castle Point, so I welcome an application like this on brownfield land, not green belt.

“Saying no to every housing application will lead to the Government inspector approving everything.”

The scheme includes 25 parking spaces for people living in the retirement apartments, however some residents have taken to social media to raise concerns around the number of spaces.

One stated: “Retired doesn’t mean retired from driving or having visitors that drive.”

But McCarthy Stone say the “car parking provision for the development is appropriate and there should be no pressure for any off-site car parking”.

In the plans, McCarthy Stone add: “Retirement living accommodation is an attractive option for older people who want to move into accommodation that provides comfort, security, and the ability to maintain their independence.

“The units are sold based on a long lease which require the units to be occupied by persons over 60 years of age.”

Plans were previously approved back in 2007 for 29 apartments, and again in 2015 for 25 flats, but no development has since taken place.

The site has remained boarded up and vacant since.