NEW images of a proposed retirement village near Chester have been revealed following the submission of a planning application to Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Retirement Villages wants to build 147 apartments – described as a "series of villas" – at the former Beechmoor Garden Centre on Whitchurch Road in Boughton Heath.
The developer says the scheme will deliver a £39m boost to the local economy, create 30 full-time roles and more than 300 jobs through the construction process, and increase spending in the area by £1.5 million every year.
The retirement village will include a community shop, gym, wellness suite and café, which would all be open to local people.
The submission of the plans follows a two-stage public consultation. The site has existing planning permission – gained by another developer – which was also for a retirement village.
Guy Flintoft, planning director at Retirement Villages, said: "This retirement village is designed to benefit not only its residents but the surrounding area.
"We’ve listened to local feedback, which has influenced the design but also the range of community amenities we're proposing. If you live locally, you'll be able to grab a coffee from the café, make use of the gym and treatment rooms or walk or cycle through the site.
"Most people we consulted agreed with our plans to create a series of villas and the proposed layout of the buildings. However, we know that there are existing issues with the hamburger roundabout and that Cheshire West and Chester Council are undertaking a study to look at how it could function better.
"We’ve proposed a different access which will have less impact than the plans previously approved for the site and have included improved walking and cycling connections.
"While it’s not in our scope to radically change the local road network we're committed to working with the council and other stakeholders to help find a long-term solution."
Retirement Villages says the development is promoting sustainable travel with walking and cycle routes through the site connecting to the canal cycle network, and a sustainable transport hub with cycle hire and electric vehicle charging points.
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