A BOURNEMOUTH based developer has submitted plans to Dorset Council to regenerate the site of the Wimborne Market to provide a flagship Continuing Care Community.

The plans drawn up by McCarthy and Stone, who also manage retirement communities in the county, would see the site redeveloped with 66 apartments, 32 bungalows and two-storey chalets.

Communal facilities proposed for the site include nine open market houses, allotments, a coffee shop, shared lounge, bistro and a wellbeing and fitness hub.

Divisional Managing Director at McCarthy and Stone Shane Paull said: “We have sought to respect the characteristics of the local area and the amenity of neighbouring properties when developing our design and landscaping proposals.

“If approved, our plans would deliver the sensitive regeneration of a brownfield site in a sustainable location with an exemplary Continuing Care Community at the heart of Wimborne.”

The proposals will include landscaped outside spaces, including a village green, as well as the retention and enhancement of the majority of trees along the boundaries of the site.

Ahead of submitting a planning application, McCarthy and Stone offered individual meetings to local stakeholders and residents and held two rounds of virtual consultation to showcase its vision for the site to the wider community.

Following feedback from extensive pre-application consultation with the local community, the scheme has been tailored to step back the roof line of the apartment building, as well as staggering the frontage facing onto Station Terrace to create visual interest in the street scene.

The Eastern Dorset Strategic Housing Market Assessment confirms the number of older people living in Dorset will continue to grow in the near future.

The number of people aged over 75 in Dorset is predicted to rise by 60 per cent from its total in 2013, where 67,188 people were recorded to be over the age boundary.

In line with this, it is predicted that an additional 6,900 specialist dwellings will be needed for older people over this period, with 1,341 homes required in the East Dorset area alone.

Mr Paull added: “Our proposals will help to meet an acknowledged and growing local need for specialist accommodation for older people.

“At the same time, research has shown that these developments stimulate the housing chain when homeowners choose to downsize, creating opportunities for families and first-time buyers.”

The application has now been submitted and is currently under review by Dorset Council.

People requiring further information are invited to visit the project’s website, mccarthyandstoneconsultation.co.uk/wimborne, or contact the project’s freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.