Boost for travellers
Application for 26 retirement lodges
Plans have been revealed to build the UK’s first retirement village for the travelling community in West Lothian.
A planning application has been lodged with West Lothian Council for the site at Humbie, near Kirknewton.
Developers said they hope the gated community will “break down the barriers of inequality” often faced by members of the travelling community.
The ambitious development is the brainchild of local businessman Jack Hendry who owns the site.
Hendry, who has his origins in the travelling community, said he knows from personal experience, through family members, how difficult it is for older people to find suitable accommodation and the necessary associated care services.
He said he wants to give something back to the community, adding: “This isn’t just another business opportunity.
He said: “I feel there is a genuine need for this kind of development. Too many people from minorities, including travellers, have had to live with prejudice and discrimination all their lives. They deserve a chance to enjoy their old age. We intend to create a retirement village which will appeal to everyone, including people from the mainstream settled community.”
Developers said they hope travellers will join people from other minorities and from the mainstream population and the site will provide services and opportunities which many currently find it impossible to access.
If approved, the multimillion pound project will see the creation of 26 homes with a community centre. The accommodation will comprise of high- quality lodges, with each home being accessible for the elderly and capable of being adapted to cater for residents’ individual needs.
In Scotland, the Government’s Equality Outcomes and Mainstreaming Report ( 2017) highlights that travellers have a shorter life expectancy due to the lack of suitable accommodation, access to health services and a lifestyle plagued by discrimination. Developers say The Humbie Retirement Village proposal focuses on the creation of a community, improving health and life chances for all and avoiding loneliness.
They say it will promote good physical, social and mental health and continued involvement in family and community throughout the ageing process.
A spokesperson for West Lothian Council said: “We have received a planning application for a retirement village of 26 chalet lodges and a communal building.
“We area waiting consultation responses and expect the application to be determined in July.
“The application can be viewed on the council’s website at www.planning. west lothian. gov.uk/ publicaccess/ under application 0409/FUL/18.”
There is a genuine need for this kind of development