Developers plan for 29 retirement homes in Tollesbury

Developers Lewis & Scott say the new model of retirement living has an emphasis on affordability and is designed in accordance with dementia friendly and therapeutic garden principles.

Managing director of Lewis & Scott, Rob Scott said: “A few years ago my wife and I both had the challenge of helping relatives downsize into retirement suitable homes, but we found that the options were limited, and the housing stock that was available wasn’t very affordable.

“We also found that what was on offer didn’t successfully meet people’s changing needs as they get older.

“With our background in construction, we knew it would be entirely possible to build affordable homes that help residents live a happier, healthier life, maintaining their independence for longer.

“But nobody was doing it. So we decided to do it ourselves.”

The developers plan to build 29 homes at Salt Meadows, on land north of 48 Woodrolfe Road in Tollesbury.

The houses and maisonettes would be arranged around a ‘social heart’ building, designed to provide a location for visiting health services, fitness classes and pop-up shops.

Proposed verandas to create a bridge between private and public spaces

A woodland walk also aims to encourage residents to get out, meet their neighbours, and lead a more active lifestyle.

The communal and private gardens will be planted with a range of climate-suitable plants, shrubs and trees, while existing hedgerows will be enhanced with a mixture of plants in keeping with natural habitats.

A railway line feature has also been included in plans on the site’s woodland walk, as a nod to the Kelvedon and Tollesbury Light Railway which once ran across the site.

The properties are being offered freehold and a 20 per cent discount to residents from the area, with prices starting from £250,000 after discount.

Developers also say the service charge will be kept lower than the norm on retirement developments, keeping with the principle of affordability.

To benefit, buyers will need to be aged 60 and over, live in the area, and have a household income below the threshold.

This is based on average Office of National Statistics income data for the age group in the area.

Rob added: “We’ve had a really positive response from local residents who are keen to access affordable retirement-suitable properties without having to move away from Tollesbury.

"And we’ve had some really great feedback on our unique home design and layout, as well as on the attention we’re paying to creating gardens and communal spaces that support the wellbeing of residents and increase the biodiversity of the site.

“We know not everybody welcomes new developments, but we hope that the good we can do will go some way to showing that our specially designed retirement neighbourhood is designed to support the Tollesbury community.”

The Salt Meadows development has now had its planning application validated by Maldon District Council and developers say properties will be available to purchase off plan later this year, as they expect to break ground in Spring/Summer 2022.

For more information visit www.lewisandscott.co.uk.