Plans revealed for Catterall retirement village

Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a massive retirement village in the Garstang area
The new village could provide homes for people looking to downsize ready for retirementThe new village could provide homes for people looking to downsize ready for retirement
The new village could provide homes for people looking to downsize ready for retirement

Ambitious plans have been unveiled for a massive retirement village in the Garstang area

Outline plans for the 200-home development within the grounds of Westfield Farm, at Catterall, have been presented to Wyre Borough Council

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The scheme - the first of its kind in the area - has been proposed by Mr Paul Barnett. His agent is Mr Jake Salisbury of Garstang-based planning agents Graham Anthony Associates.

If given the green light the proposal would see around of 200 one and two bedroom apartments and bungalows built, with elements of assisted living, on land to the south and west A6, near Catterall House rest home, off Preston Lancaster New Road

The project comes as the council as already given the go ahead for hundreds of new homes in the district.

The plans were formally submitted last week, although it can be revealed pre-application talks about the initial development on the site were held on January 20.

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During these discussions two different ideas were mooted – one for mixed housing, employment and shopping development and the retirement village.

In a statement submitted with the application Mr Salisbury said: “During these discussions, it was clear that the council would favour the retirement village over the mix use scheme.”

He added the main reasons for the existing oversupply of employment land, traffic demands on the A6 corridor and local demand for ‘older person accommodation.’

The report details the mixture of bespoke homes, bungalows and apartment blocks, suitable for over 60s.

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The huge site could also include a bowling green, large communal areas and a cafe/restaurant.

In the application Mr Salisbury said: “The site could offer clients with a differing level of care depending on their individual needs and the facility will be managed offering a 24 hour warden service.”

The land is currently used for agriculture and borders the Franklaw Water Treatment centre.

The documents presented to the council also detail the access to the site and how this could be upgraded to feature a 5.5m wide carriageway, and a 2m wide footpath on both sides of the access which will link onto the existing footways along the A6.

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Mr Salisbury adds: “Reflecting the nature of retirement villages, it is understood that the demands place on the surrounding road network will be significantly lower in comparison to standard residential development.

“A shuttle bus service to local service centres is also proposed that supports the ethos for the preservation of personal independence and tailored care.”

The application states the site is within acceptable walking distance of facilities in Catterall such as the Cock Robin Convenience Store, Fenton Fitness, Auction Eats restaurant, Slice of Sicilly restaurant, the Claughton Spar / Shell Garage and The Horns Inn pub.

It is understood the Cock Robin store closed about about a month ago and will not be re-opened.

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The report added Wyre is a “‘desirable location for ‘older people development’.”

and said that by 2039, the population of over 65s in the borough is expected to reach 40,000, ‘the largest of any Lancashire authority.’

Wyre Council is preparing to present the long awaited Local Plan on September 7.

It is understood the blueprint will be published for public consultation later in the month.

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Garstang Town Council wants residents to offer feedback as part of the consultation. They have been advised the Local Plan will be available for the public to view at Garstang Library and on the Wyre Council website.

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