PLANS have been submitted for a new retirement community which hopes to rejuvenate a brownfield site in Chester city centre.

McCarthy Stone's submission to Cheshire West and Chester Council proposes that land adjacent to the Shot Tower be transformed into a Retirement Living community, helping to meet the critical need for specialist homes for older people.

The plans would deliver a mix of 56 one- and two-bedroom Retirement Living apartments, set within landscaped grounds, and sufficient on-site car parking. The site would benefit from its close proximity to many shops, cafes and public transport connections.

Ahead of submitting a planning application, the developer says that feedback gathered from its public consultation with residents helped to inform the proposal.

On the local need for this type of specialist homes, Ian Wilkins, Divisional Managing Director at McCarthy Stone North, commented: "Our proposals for Chester would help to address a demand for retirement accommodation in the area, providing housing choice for local older people, whilst also freeing up the wider housing market for local families and first-time buyers further down the chain.

"Research shows that every McCarthy Stone apartment sold generates at least two moves further down the housing chain. This means a 56-unit community in Chester, would likely free up at least 112 homes for local people at differing stages of the housing ladder."

If approved, residents of this development would help to support a thriving and vibrant Chester city centre. Independent research by WPI Economics determined that residents of a 56 home development would be expected to generate around £432,000 of spending on the local high street.

Ian Wilkins added: "Our residents typically use local shops and services daily, or often, and would provide a vital boost to businesses in Chester city centre, helping to support local retail jobs and keep shops open.

"This additional spending can help maintain local outlets from the newsagents and the butchers to the bakery, pub, and local cafe - in other words the shops and community spaces that make up the heart of the local community."

McCarthy Stone’s plans have now been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council and will be determined by the authority in the coming months.

On the submission of the planning application, Ian Wilkins added: "As recognised in the Local Plan, there is a real need for specialist retirement accommodation in Chester. We look forward to working closely with Cheshire West and Chester Council to progress these proposals and to address this local need."

Further information is available from the project website, or by contacting the project's freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.