Plans for Kidlington retirement apartments to be discussed

McCarthy Stone is looking to transform the brownfield, former Glebe House care home site into a retirement community.

The developer said it has already reached out to neighbours of the site and local elected representatives to discuss the initial plans.

The proposals aim to build 38 purpose-built retirement living apartments, with a mix of one- and two-bedroom units.

These would be "specifically designed" to meet the needs of local older people.

The development would also have shared facilities, including a communal lounge, a hotel-style guest suite for visitors, mobility scooter storage, and landscaped gardens.

The proposed layout of the development (Image: McCarthy Stone) McCarthy Stone believes the proposed development would help to meet the growing demand for this type of accommodation as outlined in the Cherwell Local Plan 2011-2031.

Sam Brownhill, development director of McCarthy Stone Midlands, said: "We are pleased to reveal our plans to deliver much-needed accommodation in Kidlington.

"Our proposals would help to address a demand in the area, providing housing choice for older people, whilst freeing up the wider housing market for local families and first-time buyers further down the chain.

“We are keen to develop a scheme that positively contributes to the local community."

The company is encouraging people to learn about the plans and provide feedback on them until October 23 by visiting the McCarthy Stone website.

Mr Brownhill added: "We want to hear local views on our proposals before we finalise our planning application.

"I’d encourage people to attend our in-person event or go online and view the proposals, where they’ll be able to complete our feedback form.”

Residents of the proposed development would benefit from reduced health challenges, including slips and trips, McCarthy Stone said.

Independent research by WPI Economics has found this reduced risk of health challenges means residents of a 38-home McCarthy Stone development would be expected to generate savings to the NHS of around £172,000 per year.

Mr Brownhill added: "Our plans for Kidlington provide a valuable opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of local older people, whilst also supporting significant cost savings to the NHS and local social care services.

“By 2032 there will be five million people over 80 living in the UK - if just one in eight were housed in a home suitable for later living this could generate total fiscal savings across the NHS and social services of £2.1billion per year.”

Feedback on the proposals will be considered by McCarthy Stone, helping to inform the final plans, where possible, to be submitted to Cherwell District Council.