New Oundle ‘retirement living’ complex looks set to be approved

North Northants Council (NNC) will make a decision next Wednesday (October 2) on whether to give planning permission for 42 ‘retirement living’ apartments and one bungalow for over 60s.

Applicants McCarthy And Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd offer retirement living accommodation across a range of towns in Northamptonshire and already have sites in Corby, Wellingborough and Daventry.

The two-and-a-half-storey tall complex would be located on green open space to the back of 19 Herne Road and would be surrounded by other residential homes.

The existing large bungalow at the front of the site would be demolished to make way for an access road and footpath to the apartment building.

Another smaller bungalow would then be built on the same plot, next to the access road to provide more accommodation with private amenity space and two of its own parking spaces.

The main apartment complex will contain 19 one-bedroom apartments and 23 two-bed units.

Three quarters of the apartments would have private balcony areas or patios and all residents would be able to use a communal lounge and garden area.

A total of 32 car parking spaces will be provided for residents, staff and visitors - of which there would be five full-time staff working on site.

However, despite officers recommending the plans, the proposals have received some backlash from the community.

Oundle Parish Council has objected to the retirement apartment complex, saying that the town already has a number of existing residential facilities for the elderly. It referenced an overstretched health service and traffic concerns as reasons the scheme should be refused.

The Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board (NICB) also confirmed that there won’t be sufficient capacity in the local primary healthcare system to absorb the amount of people who would move into the area.

It has asked for £27,591 in financial contributions based on the number of apartments proposed.

Members of the public also hit out at the plans and NNC received 20 objections saying it was out of keeping with the area and questioning its impact on neighbouring properties.

One person said: “I am furious that this planning permission is even still being considered, the impact to further horrendous traffic problems and potential dangers to people’s life’s due to already unacceptable congestion and parking!!

“Why is common sense for the community not the priority and being ignored, ahead of a ridiculous development!

"We never purchased property in this area for 42 apartments, we accepted and believed a small housing development would someday be built, this is outrageous.”

However, some letters of support were received by NNC.

One wrote: “As a couple in our 80s, who have lived in Oundle for over 20 years, we support this application wholeheartedly. There is very little suitable accommodation available for those wanting to downsize.”

Contributions towards healthcare, libraries and sustainable travel have been sought and the applicant has agreed to enter a section 106 agreement with the local authority.

NNC has recommended the application for approval, subject to the conditions.