Revised Development Strategy

Object

Representation ID: 55404

Received: 29/07/2013

Respondent: McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles Ltd

Agent: The Planning Bureau

The proportion of elderly people within the Borough is projected to increase over the Plan period. The "What Housing Where Toolkit" demonstrates that the demographic profiles of Warwick DC are projected to age. The proportion of the population aged 60 and over in Warwick District will increase from 22% to 26.7% between 2008 and 2033. The largest proportional increases in the older population are expected to be of the 'frail' elderly, those aged 75 and over, who are more likely to require specialist care and accommodation. Clear that private specialised housing for the elderly has a key role to play in providing a suitable and sustainable housing mix that meets Warwickshire's wider housing needs. The presence of specialised housing for the elderly often greatly enhances the sustainability of businesses in nearby town and local centres.

Recommend an additional policy to ensure the adequate delivery of specialist accommodation for the elderly: "The Council will encourage the provision of specialist housing for older people across all tenures in sustainable locations. The Council aims to ensure that older people are able to secure and sustain independence in a home appropriate to their circumstances and to actively encourage developers to build new homes to the 'Lifetime Homes' standard so that they can be readily adapted to meet the needs of those with disabilities and the elderly as well as assisting independent living at home. The Council will, through the identification of sites, allowing for windfall developments, and / or granting of planning consents in sustainable locations, provide for the development of retirement accommodation, residential care homes, close care, Extra Care and assisted care housing and Continuing Care Retirement Communities."