THE company behind plans for 48 new retirement homes in Hexham has showcased the design of the new build following a public event.
Officials at developer McCarthy Stone held an engagement event in the town on Wednesday (October 25) to gauge reactions to their proposals.
They would see the homes built in a series of blocks on brownfield land off Station Road. It follows the company’s previous development just round the corner on Corbridge Road.
Known as Hewson Court, almost all of the 43 homes on that site have now been occupied.
Speaking at the event, the team behind the project outlined the need for such a development in the town. According to Councillor Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, who represents the Hexham East ward on Northumberland County Council, there had been some concerns raised about a lack of affordable housing for younger people in Hexham.
But William Bird, development manager at McCarthy Stone, said: “One of McCarthy Stone’s big selling points is that we develop communities. When somebody living in a four-bedroom home wants to downsize, that keeps the housing market moving.
“It moves people into bigger homes which releases smaller houses for first-time buyers.”
There has also been criticism of the design of the Hewson Court scheme in the past – but designers of the new scheme have taken inspiration from the rest of the town.
Urban designer Richard Burton, of McCarthy Stone’s partners Tor and Co, explained: “Part of the charm of Hexham is you have different building uses cheek to jowl.
“We have tried to develop the site in a way that will be sympathetic to the surrounding area. It’s an important aspect of the scheme.”
The public event was held prior to the company submitting a planning application. This will need to be approved by Northumberland County Council before any work is carried out.
The planned accommodation will cater to older people's requirements, with the site currently designated for housing development by the Northumberland Council Local Plan.
The project includes a residents' lounge situated in scenic, landscaped gardens and on-site parking.
There will also be a dedicated guest suite, elevator access to all floors, and a facility for charging and storing mobility scooters.
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