CONCERNS OVER FLATS PLAN AT ONE-TIME REHABILIATION HUB
Developer eyeing up retirement complex
PLANS have been lodged to build a 75-flat retirement complex on the site of a former rehabilitation centre.
Developer Adlington has revealed designs to build the ‘attractive’ complex on the one-time site of the O’connor Centre, off Clayton Road in Newcastle.
Permission has previously been granted for the existing buildings and rehabilitation centre to be demolished and for the site to be redeveloped for residential use.
Now Adlington – which specialises in creating ‘luxury retirement apartments for independent living’ – has put forward plans to Newcastle Borough Council to overhaul the plot. The developer wants to provide 24 one-bedroom apartments, 40 two bedroom apartments and 11 three bedroom apartments.
In addition, communal areas would include a lounge, coffee bar, restaurant, hair salon, activities and therapy suite, and landscaped gardens.
There will also be 43 car parking spaces, including five disabled spaces.
The plans state: “This specialist type of accommodation will enable individuals to continue living in surroundings consistent with their current property with the benefit of care and support tailored to suit their needs.
“This model provides an attractive alternative to the majority of retired people across the UK, who own their own homes with significant levels of equity (including those who own their property outright), who wish to continue to live at home in later life.
The O’connor Centre had provided support to those battling addictions to drink or drugs. However it closed in December 2016 after Staffordshire County Council cut £875,000 worth of funding. There is still one in Burton.
The scheme to overhaul the site – two years after it was shut – has been welcomed by families in Clayton Road, who want it redeveloped. However the council has recieved more than 20 letters of represenation.
Kiera Hope, aged 21, said: “We welcome it as long as we can carry on parking.”
Ann Scott, aged 78, said: “I am concerned about the lack of parking spaces. In the week we have workers in Newcastle parking down here. There are not enough parking spaces with the development.”
Roy Bennett, aged 51, said: “There are not enough parking spaces. We are blighted by non-residential people parking here.
“It would be a good thing to build the complex because it is currently a den of iniquity. But they need to have more parking spaces or fewer flats.”
Julia Kelley added: “It is a fantastic idea. The only problem is the lack of car parking. I think these places are brilliant for elderly people
But others have written to the council to object. Janet Donnelly wrote: “The development as a whole is too large for the plot, while not taking into consideration, parking requirements, access, and a pleasant environment for new residents and existing ones.”
Jacqueline Steele, of Porthill, added: “The building is not in keeping with the area. Lack of parking is a major concern with very little parking for such a large complex.”
The scheme will now be considered by the borough council.