Retirement living group targets brownfield site for regeneration

A former sixth form college in Lytham has been targeted for regeneration as a 42-apartment and 17-bungalow retirement living scheme, which would result in the regeneration of a brownfield site.

Developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, is behind the scheme for the former Lytham Sixth Form College site, Ansdell.

The plans will deliver a sensitively designed development of 42 apartments, featuring a homeowners’ lounge, set amongst attractive, landscaped gardens with on-site parking provision.

There will also be a guest suite, communal terrace, lift access to all floors and a mobility scooter charging and storage room.

The plans will also include 17 bungalows with parking and private gardens.

Ahead of submitting a planning application, McCarthy Stone is inviting the local community to find out more about the plans and provide its feedback at a public exhibition on Tuesday, January 23, from 2pm to 6.30pm at Fairhaven United Reformed Church.

Members of the project team will be available to talk through the site plans and answer any questions residents may have.

In addition to the in-person event, McCarthy Stone will also be hosting an online virtual consultation which is now available until January 30, at http://www.mccarthystoneconsultation.co.uk/ansdell

Ciaran Aldridge, divisional managing director North, McCarthy Stone, said: “Our proposals provide a fantastic opportunity to deliver much needed retirement living accommodation in Ansdell.

“The site is ideally located with public transport links to local shops and amenities nearby, as well as connections across the region.

“Our plans for Ansdell provide a valuable opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of local older people, whilst also supporting significant cost savings to the NHS and local social care services.”

Ciaran added: “We are pleased to be hosting an online consultation to provide so many people with the opportunity to view our plans and find out more about the scheme. Our in-person event will also provide a great opportunity for residents to ask any questions they may have about the scheme.”

The Fylde Coast Strategic Housing Market Assessment states that 52% of households aged over 65 are under-occupying their property and, as such, there is a need to ‘free up’ existing family housing by facilitating the availability of suitable, accessible dwellings that align with the evolving aspirations of the expanding older demographic.

Independent research shows that every McCarthy Stone apartment sold generates two moves further down the housing chain, and in certain circumstances this may be more.

This means that by developing specialist accommodation for older people, people at all stages of the housing ladder can be supported to find a home that suits their needs.

Ciaran Aldridge said: “There is a real need for specialist retirement accommodation in Ansdell, and this proposal would go some way to addressing that, whilst at the same time releasing existing family homes onto the market and relieving the pressure of local Green Belt release.”

Moreover, McCarthy Stone said its proposals will aid the local economy, providing a vital boost to businesses in Ansdell. With 59 units proposed, customers of this development would be expected to spend more than £721,000 each year, approximately £454,000 of which would be in local shops and businesses.