Plans for a retirement housing development in Lymm have been met with controversy as the proposal for 36 apartments was recently rejected. The applicant, McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd, had sought to build the housing complex on land at Watercress Farm, located off Thirlmere Drive. The decision was made following a Town Hall meeting where the council’s development management committee deliberated on the application.
The Proposal
The original plans put forth by McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd outlined the construction of a building comprising 36 apartments, with a mix of 24 one-bedroom and 12 two-bedroom units intended for retirement living. The proposal also included communal facilities to enhance the living experience for the residents.
In response to feedback received on the initial submission, the applicant made amendments to the scheme in September. These changes included adjustments to the siting of the proposed building, a reduction in the number of apartments from 45 to 42, and alterations to the car parking area. Subsequent modifications were made in May to further reduce the number of units to 36, as well as to alter the design and siting of the building and adjust the layout of the site.
Community Concerns
Despite the efforts to address feedback and make revisions to the plans, the application faced significant opposition from the community. Cllr Ian Marks raised concerns about the proposed development’s location in the green belt, emphasizing the lack of compelling reasons to justify releasing the land for construction at this time. Residents echoed these sentiments, citing objections to the project’s perceived unsuitability in the green belt, existing levels of development in Lymm, and the absence of affordable housing provisions.
Lymm Parish Council also expressed its objections to the application, highlighting potential issues such as overflow parking on nearby streets within the Dairy Farm estate. Cllr Chris East emphasized the need for adequate parking provisions to accommodate residents, carers, and delivery vehicles, expressing concerns about the impact of on-street parking on the surrounding area. Additionally, the council underscored the importance of addressing the demand for genuinely affordable housing in the community.
Developer’s Perspective
In defense of the proposal, Chris Butt, McCarthy & Stone’s planning consultant, presented the project as a solution to the growing demand for older persons’ accommodation in Lymm. He highlighted the 36 retirement living units as a much-needed addition to the local housing market, emphasizing the development’s potential to meet the needs of older residents while maintaining positive relationships with the existing community. However, despite these arguments, the application was ultimately rejected due to the perceived lack of provision for affordable housing on site.
The decision to refuse the application reflects a broader concern about the balance between meeting the housing needs of older residents and ensuring affordability and sustainability within the community. As discussions continue around the future development of retirement housing in Lymm, stakeholders will need to consider how best to address these competing priorities while fostering a harmonious and inclusive living environment for all residents.