Shropshire Star

New concerns over plan for Shrewsbury retirement flats

Plans to build dozens of retirement flats on the edge of Shrewsbury have attracted more concerns from nearby residents.

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McCarthy & Stone

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But the plans have attracted opposition from neighbours, who have voiced concerns over parking and the impact on traffic in the area.

Now, another local resident has written to Shropshire Council saying he is concerned about the development in the future.

Daniel Martin said: "Whilst initially these apartments may be marketed as retirement apartments and certain criteria to purchase one has to be met, some important questions should be asked about the longer term occupation status and the subsequent impact on the local area that it may have.

"For instance, when the first owner occupier wishes to sell or their family inherit the apartment, will the same purchase restrictions apply, or are they free to sell to whomever they wish, thus potentially changing the demographic of the apartments? It will also be worth considering the ongoing maintenance and upkeep of the apartments. The current properties that exist have stood the test of time due to private residents looking after them.

"What guarantees are there that those responsible for the ongoing maintenance will be in business after 10, 25 or 50 years time and what condition will the apartments be in then?

"Who would assume responsibility for the upkeep of the grounds and building façade if the current company no longer exists? There is potential that buildings like this could look run down, neglected or the user group changes completely over time.

"With respect to the ratio of parking spaces for the number of apartments proposed, this is simply a poor design strategy. In an era where occupants of such apartments are more likely than ever to still own and use a vehicle, and are very much going to have family visitors, it would make much more sense to design and build some form of underground parking beneath the main building."

"It would also reduce potential conflict with current residents who are most likely going to have to contend with additional parked cars outside their properties with the current proposed scheme.

"It is already evident that Wenlock Road has seen an increase in traffic over the years, something I can personally vouch for having grown up living on Wenlock Road for over 20 years, so by virtue of additional apartments of this type being built it will only add to the risk of an accident."

The developers have recently revealed changes to the design of the flats, including fewer apartments, an extra parking space and the appearance of three individually linked pavilion buildings which will feature bay windows, low-level canopies and feature chimneys.

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