Retirement village plan set for spring start

A NEW retirement village – featuring all the 21st Century details the next generation of pensioners might demand – could be under construction in Barnsley as early as the spring, if planners approve.

The Hawshaw Bank scheme in Hoyland is the outcome of a joint enterprise by several organisations and would see 40 one bedroom homes created for sale or rent.

But they would stand aside from conventional old people’s homes by offering the security of a gated development, with wifi access, built in low-energy and eco friendly fittings as well as double-height living spaces.

Residents would also benefit from a village hall, communal gardens and allotment space, as well as safety and security features.

The scheme has resulted from a partnership called Sky-Lark, involving Sheffield architectural practice CODA Studios, alongside Broadfield Holdings, Crossbow Investments, Knight Knox and Alcove.

The Hoyland scheme would be the first for Sky-Lark, with prices start at £99,000, though units will also be available for rent.

Crossbow chief executive David Cross said: “These compact villages will allow communities to right size, down size and remain in their homes for longer.

“We have also partnered with Tech Care providers and this will allow care packages over the years starting from low touch to physical care on site.”

A second site has already been identified in Rotherham, with Sky-Lark expecting to develop up to 20 sites in the next three years, mainly in former mining communities.

“We aim to deliver 15 to 20 sites over the next three years predominantly in former mining communities,” he said.

“More homeowners want to downsize but can’t find the right property and yet less than one per cent of UK new build is now bungalows.”