Bridgnorth Salop Street garage site could become retirement homes

Proposals for a 58-home development for older people which could create up to 15 jobs in Bridgnorth have been submitted.

Retirement home builder McCarthy and Stone is seeking permission from Shropshire Council to transform the Rutters Garage site in Salop Street, which is one of only two petrol stations in the town. It claims the plans have been well received by people during consultation.

McCarthy and Stone wants to build Extra Care accommodation, promoting elderly independence and helping older people continue to lead active lives.

Keith Johnston, the firm's regional managing director, said: "We would like to thank those residents who took the time to view and comment on our preliminary proposals, which has helped us shape and refine our plans for the site.

"We are particularly encouraged that local people have been so positive regarding our plans for this site, especially towards the site's re-use with specialist extra care housing for older people, for which there is a considerable local need."

The application was made following extensive consultation with the community, including meetings with residents and a public exhibition for the wider community, held in January.

More than 50 people, including councillors, turned out to view McCarthy and Stone's preliminary plans.

Feedback received at the public exhibition was said to be mostly positive, particularly towards the re-use of the proposal site, which is close to the town centre and local services.

Residents said they were particularly keen to see a more neighbourly re-use of the site, resulting in a reduction in traffic and vehicle movements, compared to the existing commercial garage.

Support for the proposed design and the need for this specialist type of extra care housing in Bridgnorth was also registered.

By Paul Mannion