Retirement apartments could be built on the site of a former Huntingdonshire fire station under new plans. 

A planning application submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council seeks approval for a 48-home retirement complex on the site of the old Huntingdon Fire Station on Hartford Road.

It comes after McCarthy Stone held a community consultation programme to inform locals about the plans and give them the opportunity to have their say. 

A virtual exhibition was held between September 29 and October 3 offering an insight into the proposed development, which included "attractive landscaped outdoors spaces" and "tailored shared facilities". 

A design and access statement published as part of the application said: "This application proposes 48 units of retirement living accommodation for older people with associated parking and landscaping.

"Within the retirement living block twenty-seven one bedroom units and twenty-one two bedroom units will be provided.

"The retirement living apartments have the benefit of access to communal facilities within the block, including a homeowners’ lounge, internal refuse store, and mobility scooter charging room."

According to the plans, balconies and patio areas would be provided for 29 of the proposed apartments. 

Residents would have access to private shared indoor and outdoor "amenity spaces" within the communal gardens and residents' lounge to "maximise privacy and minimise noise levels from surrounding roads."

If approved, the proposed development would be accessed via a new junction located along the northern boundary of Montagu Road with a pedestrian connection linking with the footpath along Hartford Road. 

The complex would provide 35 car parking spaces, including three disabled spaces, with dedicated space for refuse as well as the charging and storage of mobility scooters. 

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According to developers, the proposed complex would address the "un-met" shortage of specialist homes for older people while driving economic growth in the district.

A planning statement added: "Residents of the development will contribute towards the local economy within the vicinity of the site by using local facilities, services, transport, shopping, and cultural opportunities.

"Revitalising the housing market through the provision of retirement accommodation and release of under occupied family housing that releases equity."

McCarthy Stone said it expects the district council to run statutory consultation on the proposals between November and December 2024.

Its timescale indicates the authority could determine the application in early 2025, but that is subject to change.