South Kesteven District Council looks set to approve 41 retirement homes off Priory Road in Stamford

Plans for 41 retirement homes in Stamford are up for approval despite concerns being raised.

The Planning Bureau has submitted the proposals for land off Priory Road, on behalf of McCarthy and Stone. It includes 29 two-bed apartments and 12 one-bed homes intended to provide independent living accommodation for people aged 60 and over.

The development will replace existing buildings on site and will include a communal lounge guest suite, reception and communal roof terrace.

Officers said the plans represented an opportunity to make “effective use of brownfield land” and was acceptable in principle.

“Furthermore, the scheme would contribute towards meeting the requirement to provide housing for different groups of the community, through the provision of a dedicated residential facility for people aged 60 and above.

“It is officers’ assessment that the site is appropriately located to meet this identified need, insofar as it is located within the sustainable location for growth and benefits from close proximity to local services and facilities.”

Stamford Town Council has objected to the plans and despite several changes to the plans since they were first submitted, the council said there were “still issues about pedestrian and vehicle access”.

“The development is too near the busy Uffington Road roundabout making vehicular entry and exit from the site hazardous.

“Pedestrian access to and from the site is also extremely unsafe due to heavy traffic, absence of usable pedestrian walkways and lack of pedestrian crossings”

Those concerns are also backed by ward member Coun Harrish Bisnauthsing (Lib Dem - Stamford St Mary's), who said the site was “unsuitable for the development of a care home”.

The plans (ref: S22/0683) will be examined by district councillors at a meeting of the planning committee on Thursday, March 2.