PLANS for 32 new sheltered retirement apartments in Wokingham’s town centre have been given the green light.
The units are a mixture of one- and two-bedroom units and a total of 25 parking spaces, 21 of which would be located within a basement.
The homes will be built by Renaissance Development and aimed at providing independent senior living spaces in Wiltshire Road.
Following the approval at Wokingham Borough Council’s planning committee meeting held last Wednesday, The building work will start early in the new year with a grand opening likely to be in summer 2017.
The application will be subject to the developers committing to providing a contribution toward affordable housing and replacing any trees removed during the building works. Two existing houses will be demolished as part of the works and three new buildings, which will be arranged a in T shape, will be erected on the site.
Robert Taylor, managing director of Renaissance Retirement, is delighted that planning permission has been granted and feels that Wokingham will benefit greatly from this new development.
He said: “This is great news – for Renaissance Retirement and the town. We believe we have a fantastic scheme that will make the people of Wokingham proud. We have been working very closely with the officers on this scheme and have designed a scheme that will sit comfortably within a mature landscaped setting.
“There is a fundamental demand for new, independent retirement housing in Wokingham. We have been very well received at the public consultation by local people and councillors alike.
“The simple fact is that people are looking increasingly at this form of housing as part of their retirement plans. From the number of people who have requested more information on our site we are confident we have the right product and location.”
Peter Tanner, planning director at Renaissance Retirement, said: “The site is perfect for people who live in and around Wokingham. It is located within an easy level walk of Waitrose and town centre shops.”
