New retirement complex

A DERELICT care home is set to be demolished and replaced with a new retirement complex, despite recent concerns over its impact on the street scene and the local health service.

Developers McCarthy Stone purchased the large Victorian property at 20 Chalkwell Avenue in 2021 – for a fee believed to be in the region of £1.5 million – with a view to building retirement accommodation.

If approved, plans for a complex of 27 apartments for people aged 60 and over for outright sale, shared ownership, rent and part rent – part buy – comprised of 11 one-bed and 16 two-bed homes, will be built.

The development, which plans to use materials that reflect the surrounding area, will also feature communal facilities, including a residents’ lounge, guest suite, internal refuse store, and mobility scooter storage.

A large virtual consultation was carried out last year prior to the company submitting its plans to the Council, to gauge local opinions on these proposals.

A report to the development control committee shows objections were raised by residents and organisations, including the local health service.

A spokesperson for the NHS said: “The proposal is likely to have a severe impact on the health services and the surgeries which operate in the vicinity of the site. The case for independent living is noted, however the existing GP surgeries do not have the capacity to accommodate the additional growth.”

A request for a contribution of £12,700 to local health services has been made.

Eight letters of representation against the plans were also received by the council, with concerns ranging from the loss of a landmark building, which dates back to the 1800s, and the proposed building being ‘out of character’ with the area.

Other concerns ranged across the loss of privacy from balcony overlook, noise, disturbance, and loss of sunshine.