The outcome of plans to build a new retirement complex of up to 200 homes in a Cambridgeshire village will be decided soon. The development, known as an Integrated Retirement Community, has been earmarked for land at Branch Road in Comberton.
The hybrid application was put forward by Endurance Estates in 2023. It includes full plans for 24 close care units, 32 extra care units, the Clubhouse and other infrastructure, as well as outline plans for 144 extra care units and additional facilities.
The development would include blocks of flats, cottages, and bungalows. An café and restaurant are planned for the ground floor of the Clubhouse, alongside wellbeing facilities such as a gym and swimming pool.
A total of 218 third party representations were submitted, with 217 of them being objections. Among the issues raised include the lack of housing in the area for staff, landscape harm, increase in traffic, increase in pollution, and the cost being beyond the means of most elderly in the village.
A planning statement with the application said: “There is acknowledged to be, both nationally and locally, a substantial and increasing need for purpose-designed/built housing for older persons. The wider housing market does not generally provide ‘age appropriate’ housing for an ageing population and this in turn has a series of consequences.
“Very often, faced with accommodation unsuited to their needs/requirement, the elderly’s desire to move to smaller, more suitable accommodation is frustrated by the shortage of suitable housing, and in particular, housing that can also cater for future care requirements. The proposed development will deliver appropriate, high-quality accommodation for older persons with generous provision for linked, supporting facilities, as well as employment opportunities for local people.”
It added: “The communal facilities are accessible by non-residents from Comberton and the surrounding area. There is no age restriction for non-residents using the communal facilities, such as the café and restaurant.”
A report by planning officers acknowledged the economic benefits of the development, including that it would contribute towards the need for “specialist housing for older persons”. The report also highlighted the social benefits, on-site facilities with access to clinical treatment space, and wellbeing facilities.
However, it added that the site was located outside the village development framework boundary of Comberton and the proposal would have a substantial and detrimental impact on the green belt. It said the proposal would fail to reflect or respect the rural characteristics of Comberton or respond to the site’s countryside’s location, therefore recommending that the plans be refused.
A decision on the application will be made by South Cambridgeshire District Council at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday, January 15. To view the plans in full, visit the planning portal, using the reference 23/01448/OUT or click here.
To get more breaking news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.