A DEVELOPER and manager of retirement communities is set to launch a consultation on plans to build a retirement complex and office building on a former office building in Andover.

McCarthy Stone has acquired an interest in land at Guilbert House, Greenwich Way, Andover. 

As previously reported, the building and its 200-space surface car park was auctioned in March, with a guide price of £3m. 

The company is looking to progress its plans for the site, which would see it redeveloped with high quality retirement accommodation, as well as a new care home. 

The site comprises a vacant three-storey former office building, dating from the 1990s, within a landscaped parking area, at the junction of the Newbury Road and Greenwich Way. 

READ MORE: Former Andover office building in Greenwich Way being sold for £3m

In April 2019, an application to deliver 66 residential apartments on the site was granted approval by Test Valley Borough Council. However, following the planning approval, no steps have been taken to implement the planning consent. McCarthy Stone has recently acquired an interest in the site and will shortly begin a pre-application community consultation programme on its emerging proposal which will feature Retirement Living PLUS (Extra Care) accommodation.

The purpose of the public consultation is to inform local people, including residents, local councillors and interest groups, of the emerging proposal and to offer them the opportunity to provide feedback, which would, where possible, be incorporated into the final proposals prior to the submission of a formal planning application.

Shane Paull, divisional managing director for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: “The site is in a highly sustainable location to meet a significant local need for specialist retirement living accommodation. 

“Over the coming weeks, we will sharing our initial proposals for the site, via a virtual consultation, which will provide an opportunity for the local community to provide feedback on the initial proposals.” 

READ MORE: Office block could be converted into 66 flats

McCarthy Stone says that there is a strong local need for specialist retirement living accommodation in Andover.

The firm has cited Test Valley Borough Council’s Strategic Housing Strategy 2020 – 2025 document, which  identifies that “with a growing proportion of older people within the borough’s population, it is vital that we understand the housing aspirations and housing needs of older persons, and plan to meet them.” 

It notes a priority as being to “ensure new affordable housing for older people adequately meets future needs, in locations close to local amenities, and of a design and type that is attractive to older people.” 

The upcoming public consultation will include a virtual exhibition. Residents that wish to obtain more information at this point can call the project’s freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.

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