150-unit retirement village at Former Cummins Generator Technologies, Stamford

What was proposed

The application sought approval for the appearance, landscaping, layout and scale of a 150-unit retirement village with care and communal facilities.

“Hudds Mill and Millhouse (Grade II Listed buildings) – north of the River Welland • Stamford Conservation Area 2 Description of the proposal 2.1 The current application seeks the approval of reserved matters relating to appearance, layout, landscaping and scale for the erection of 150 residential units (Use Class C2), together with ancillary care, communal and wellbeing facilities pursuant to outline planning permission S20/2056.”

“The proposed dwellings would consist of the following mix: • 6 x 1-bed apartment • 123 x 2-bed apartment • 8 x 2-bed cottage • 13 x 2-bed plus study cottage 2.5 The proposals also include the following ancillary and amenity facilities: • Reception, Administration and Manager Offices • Bar, Restaurant and Private Dining • Kitchens and associated storage • Laundry room • Swimming Pool and changing facilities • Gymnasium and Fitness Studio • Treatment Rooms • Hairdresser •…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site covers about 14.7 hectares north of Barnack Road and includes former factory land, arable land, hedges, power lines and nearby heritage assets.

“(GIA)), local foodstore and café, c.190 dwellings, including 30% affordable housing (Class C3), a retirement village including ancillary facilities (Class C2), public open space, including strategy landscaping at the eastern end of the site, and all associated infrastructure”. The current application forms one of three reserved matters applications currently subject to consideration by the Local Planning Authority, which will collectively deliver the St.”

“There are few trees along the road frontage of the former factory site, and more along the frontage of the field. On the eastern side of the site, there is another hedgerow with a public bridleway running adjacent to the boundary, but outside of the application site. High voltage electricity power lines cross the site on pylons.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

Outline permission was granted in February 2022 for a mixed-use development including housing, commercial uses, a retirement village, open space and infrastructure.

“This Main Street is served via 4 points of vehicular and pedestrian access from Barnack Road, which were approved as part of the outline planning permission. The scheme also includes the “village green” which extends from the northern landscape buffer through to the clubhouse. The planting within this area utilise native and ornamental species which contribute to the character area formed within the wider development.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal fitted the outline permission, supported specialist housing needs and provided suitable design, landscaping, access and amenity.

“Compliance with the Outline Planning Permission 7.5.1 As detailed above, the current application seeks the approval of reserved matters relating to appearance, landscaping, layout and scale for the erection of 150 residential units (Class C2), together with ancillary care, communal and wellbeing facilities pursuant to outline planning permission S20/2056.”

“In this respect, Officers have reviewed the submitted scheme and are satisfied that it is in accordance with the requirements of the outline planning permission, and allows for the delivery of a high quality, comprehensive development. Consequently, the proposed scheme is acceptable in principle, subject to detailed design considerations.”

Officer report

Who answered questions

Representatives of Inspired Villages and Burghley Land answered members’ questions about the retirement village and wider development.

Members’ questions and debate

Members asked about parking, mobility scooters, healthcare, accessibility, staffing, deliveries, affordability, fire safety, pets, shops and access around the site.

“The Applicant confirmed there were 158 licensed car parking spaces for residents. The residents residing in the unit would be typically enter at 78 years old and bespoke parking data outlined only 70% of residents would arrive with a vehicle. Mobility scooters could be charged and stored within the cycle stores.”

“It was confirmed dropped kerbs would be implemented throughout the site to cater for mobility scooters. The site would also have traffic calmed areas where level access would be implemented. • A member commented the application would bring further employment opportunity to the site. • It was established the layout of the site meant the gym would be accessible to residents with minimal impact on their amenity.”

Minutes

The vote

The committee agreed to authorise approval subject to conditions, with Councillor Tim Harrison abstaining because of advice about SuDS.

“It was proposed, seconded and AGREED to authorise the Assistant Director – Planning & Growth to GRANT reserved matters consent, subject to conditions:”

Minutes

The decision

Reserved matters consent was granted subject to approved plans and conditions controlling external materials before construction and occupation.

“8) Before any works above foundation level of any building hereby permitted are begun, a detailed specification of the materials (including the colour of render, paintwork or colourwash) to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of…”

Minutes