After a successful planning appeal, Churchill Retirement Living has been granted planning permission to build 36 brand new independent living retirement apartments on Sutton Road in Seaford. The new development will bring a thriving new community to the heart of town, contributing around £280k a year to the local economy and supporting around 73 jobs both during and after construction.
In the appeal decision notice, the Government’s Planning Inspector R Sabu dismissed any concerns about the impact of the development on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers. She also dismissed objections over whether the proposal would make adequate provision for refuse collection. Her overall assessment of the planning balance was in favour of the development, and she noted the design’s architectural details “would add visual interest and further contribute to the harmonious integration of the development into the street scene.”
The new apartments will provide attractive, high quality, secure and self-contained accommodation in landscaped grounds. As with all Churchill Retirement Living developments, Owners will enjoy independent living and a sense of community, with a communal Owners’ Lounge, a Guest Suite, a Lodge Manager, and a 24 hour emergency call alarm service.
Stuart Goodwill, Managing Director of Churchill’s planning consultancy, said: “This is a very positive result and we will now look forward to starting work on this new development in Seaford. Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, supporting local jobs, and increasing high street spend. The new apartments will also help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, and meet the housing needs of many older people in Seaford and the surrounding area.”
The new development will meet existing and future need in the local area and will provide these key benefits:
- Benefits the local economy by around £280,000 per year as its central location encourages residents to shop locally.
- Supports around 73 local jobs both during and after construction.
- Allows older people to downsize and free up under occupied houses in the local area for families – we estimate around 72 second hand homes will be released onto the market, helping around 24 first time buyers onto the ladder.
- Each person living in a retirement property typically experiences reduced health risks, contributing to fiscal savings to local NHS and social care services of c.£3,500 per person per year. The development in Seaford will therefore create total health and social care savings of around £164,000 per year.
- Provides older people with safety, security and companionship.
- Provides an attractive, bespoke building which complements the existing streetscape.
- Reduces the need to travel by car, due to proximity to local facilities.