Council backs homes for older travellers
Plans for Scotland’s first retirement village for the traveller community have been given the green light.
The multi- million pound Humbie Retirement Village, near Kirknewton, would create 27 homes with a community centre and landscaped grounds, each home capable of being adapted to cater for residents’ needs.
The lodges will have two bedrooms and the community building, which is intended to be a multi-purpose hub for residents, will have a community room, office, consultation rooms for use by visiting medical staff, kitchen, laundry room and toilets.
The lodges would be for sale, lease or rent and the owners would contribute to a common fund for the maintenance of the open spaces and community building.
They are designed to be attractive to members travellers but also to the mainstream community.
The man behind the plan, local businessman Jack Hendry, who has his origins in the travelling community, said after the meeting, “This is fantastic news.
“For me this is far more than a business opportunity. It is something I feel passionately about.
“Older people from the traveller community face real problems as their physical and health needs become more acute.
“This retirement village will provide properly designed accommodation and access to vital care services.”
Charles Kennedy, chair of the council’s development and management committee, said: “The benefits that the proposed development would offer the country’s traveller community are potentially considerable.
“This unique concept of a retirement village catering for this community, offering accommodation and services, is required and meets government guidance and local council policy.”