Churchill Retirement Living ask for views on Bridport plans

The multi-million pound scheme is earmarked for a significant site off South Street.

Churchill Retirement Living is preparing a planning application for a proposed new 'independent living retirement development' which would consist of 50 apartments and 25 cottages.

They want to redevelop the site of Hanson and J.C. Phillips and Son builders’ merchants.

According to the developers, the homes will be designed for local people over the age of 60 who want to carry on living independently as they get older whilst enjoying safety, support and a social life.

If approved, this would be another retirement development in the area after McCarthy Stone built its luxury 'retirement living' apartments, named Gordon Court, on the former Mountjoy School site in Flood Lane.

As reported, when the apartments were released for off-plan sales, prices were said to start from £250,000 for a one-bedroom apartment and from £399,000 for a two-bedroom.

Plans for the Churchill site are available for public viewing through a consultation link which is live for two weeks from now.

Churchill says that prospective owners would have the benefits of safety, security and peace of mind, as the apartment building will include a lodge manager, a 24-hour careline, an owners’ lounge and guest suite for friends and family to visit.

Developers have said that the proposed development ‘would be expected to bring around £580,000 per year of extra spending to the local high street.’ They added that this would also help to generate around £340,000 of savings each year for local health and social care services ‘by enabling older people to enjoy a healthier, safer and more independent lifestyle.’

A spokesperson for Churchill Retirement Living, said: “Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, local jobs, and increasing high street spend as it brings regular shoppers closer to the town centre.

“Our proposed development would help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there and meet the housing needs of many older people in Bridport and the surrounding area. Our plans to regenerate this previously developed site will also help to reduce the need for greenfield development to meet the urgent demand for new homes in the local area."

The spokesperson added that a formal planning application has been ‘prepared’ but not yet submitted.

“We are keen to gather feedback and give local people the opportunity to have their say on these exciting plans.”

Bridport Town Councillor David Rickard said: “Bridport is a very welcoming town, but there is a demand for affordable housing in the area which we should be looking into.

"It's just one of those things that, however you feel about it, is going to happen."

To view the plans, visit https://consultwithyou.co.uk/churchill/bridport