Plans go in for Kettering retirement apartments

The application by McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Limited would see the demolition of the existing buildings at Satra House in Rockingham Road.

In its place would be 42 retirement apartments, 56 assisted living apartments and associated access, parking, landscaping and ancillary development.

It is proposed that the site will create four full-time jobs.

A planning statement said: “The site is currently occupied by Satra Innovation Park, a serviced office centre that houses small businesses on easy in/easy out terms.

“As a serviced office centre the property has significant vacancy rates and is loss-making and as a business model is unsustainable.

“As such there is an opportunity to redevelop the site.

“The proposed development represents a sustainable development, with social and planning benefits, both for potential residents and the community as a whole.

“In summary, these are a highly sustainable form of development that optimises the use of valuable urban land and the provision of extra care and retirement accommodation that helps address the demographic imperative of an ageing population and helping to “free up” under occupied housing stock that no longer meets the needs of its occupiers.

The statement also said benefits included: An accessible location and form of development that will lead to less reliance on the private motorcar, a development that helps to underpin local facilities, including the retail function of the shops in the local area, a land use which it is envisaged to be passive and a “good neighbour”, and buildings that provides substantial energy efficiency advantages over most general market schemes.

Those wishing to put forward their views to Kettering Council must do so by April 5.

A decision is expected by June 10 this year.