After a successful planning appeal, Churchill has been granted planning permission to build 54 brand new independent living retirement apartments and 6 retirement living cottages at a site on Fore Street, Exmouth. The new development will bring a thriving new community to the heart of town, contributing around £465k a year to the local economy and supporting over 100 jobs both during and after construction, including 8 permanent full-time local jobs.
In the appeal decision notice, the Government’s Planning Inspector K Ford acknowledged these benefits, stating that the development “would deliver economic benefits, both during construction and through the operation of the retirement facility thereafter. There would also be job creation from the commercial space to be provided as part of the development. There would also be economic benefits from the local spend by the residents of the development, particularly given the location of the scheme in close proximity to the town centre.” The Inspector added that “with regards environmental benefits, the development would make efficient use of previously developed land.”
The new apartments and cottages will provide attractive, high quality, secure and self-contained accommodation in landscaped grounds. As with all Churchill Retirement Living developments, buyers 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.
The new development will generate these key benefits:
- Benefits the local economy by around £465,000 per year as its central location encourages residents to shop locally.
- Supports around 22 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 120 second hand homes will be released onto the market, helping around 40 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 Exmouth will therefore create total health and social care savings of around £273,000 per year.
- Provides older people with safety, security and companionship.
- Provides an attractive, bespoke development which complements the existing streetscape.
- Reduces the need to travel by car, due to proximity to local facilities.