Consultation launched on plans for Chester retirement village

Retirement Villages has launched a consultation to gather views on its plans to build a new £32m retirement scheme near Chester.

Proposed for the former Beechmoor Garden Centre on Whitchurch Road, Boughton Heath, local residents are being called on to help shape the proposals.

The site has existing planning permission, gained by another developer, also for a retirement village.

Retirement Villages acquired the site last year and is at the early stages of working up a new vision for a purpose-built retirement community.

Designed to be an extension of the existing community, the village will provide a range of amenities, services and outdoor spaces which could also be used by people living in the area.

The consultation is looking for views on what these potential amenities could be, including the potential to provide facilities for people using the Boughton Heath Park and Ride next door, such as a café and shop.

The retirement village would also provide a boost to the local economy creating 25 jobs when the site is completed, plus additional jobs during construction, and bringing extra income for the council through business rates.

Retirement Villages is based in Leatherhead, Surrey, and currently operates 16 villages, mainly in the South of England. It said the Chester retirement village will be the first in a new generation of developments that are designed to benefit, and be part of, the local community.

Guy Flintoft, company planning director, said: “We all know that society is ageing and more of us are living longer. Our retirement villages provide homes where people can continue to live as they wish, and to enjoy all the things that matter to them, but with the support they need to make that possible.

“We believe that our villages should be open and useful places for people living nearby, so we’re looking at what amenities we can provide that local people can also use, such as a café or shop.

“There will also be plenty of outdoor space that will be open to the public. We’re at an early stage of working up the plans and we’re keen to hear from local people what they want to see at the village.”

He added: “Obviously, at the moment we can’t hold any events or chat to people face-to-face, but there are plenty of other ways people can get involved.”

Newsletters have been sent to more than 4,000 households and businesses around the site and local people are being asked to return the attached questionnaire, or visit the project website to fill in the questionnaire online.

This first stage of consultation closes on May 22, and will be followed by another stage later in the year when the designs are set to be revealed.
Following the consultation, Retirement Villages hopes to submit a planning application in the Summer.

Retirement Villages has been developing and managing purpose-built retirement communities for nearly 40 years.

Architects RCKa has been appointed to design the village.

Known for its socially responsive architecture, it is looking at how the design can promote a sense of community and encourage people to interact.