Go-ahead for retirement flats despite objections
Plans for purpose-built accommodation for older people in Kinver have been given the green light by planning bosses.
South Staffordshire Council’s planning committee approved Housing Plus Group’s plans to build 20 accessible apartments to replace eight bungalows at the Burgesses.
Bosses at the Housing Plus Group said the new development will offer self-contained apartments, social space and access to care and support – and will offer homes for older people who want to live independently.
Kerry Bolister, assistant director of development for the group, said that the decision was ‘fantastic news for older people in Kinver’.
She added: “The project received strong support from people who were previously living in The Burgesses and from those who want to continue to live in Kinver but move into a home more suited to their current and future needs.
Impact
“That support underlines the demand for affordable, high quality retirement living accommodation in the village. We are delighted that we can now deliver the homes that they told us they wanted.”
The development was backed by former residents of the Burgesses and of nearby Mill House, also owned by Housing Plus Group. But the plans had been slated by Kinver Parish Council, who recommended refusal due to highways issues, insufficient parking and the impact on the local doctor’s surgery.
A design and access statement, submitted with the application, said: “The project includes the demolition of the existing bungalows and two-storey warden’s house and proposes the redevelopment of the Burgesses with purpose one-bedroom apartments with a ground floor communal lounge area.
“Our team strongly believes high quality design can improve social wellbeing, quality of life, reduce crime and the fear of crime, improve public health and ease transport problems.
“The scheme presented for the Burgesses will offer a high quality residential development.”
