Churchill Retirement Living wants to demolish Lymington police station to build 32 retirement flats

A PLAN has been submitted to demolish Lymington’s former police station and build retirement flats.

Churchill Retirement Living has submitted proposals to New Forest District Council to tear down the Southampton Road building to make way for 32 apartments.

They comprise 21 one-bed and 11 two-bed apartments as well as communal facilities and 12 parking spaces.

The company, established by multi-millionaire brothers Spencer and Clinton McCarthy, backed its scheme as a way of meeting the need for older people's accommodation.

Its application said: "It is acknowledged that there is a ‘critical’ need for the delivery of older people housing in the country and a significant pressing need within the administrative boundary of the council.

"This planning application proposal will contribute towards delivering these much needed homes, including older people housing."

The award-winning retirement housebuilder highlighted how it currently has more than 160 retirement developments across the UK, and the average age of purchasers was 79.

It stressed any harm that could be identified "comes nowhere near significantly and demonstrably outweighing the many and varied benefits of the application proposal".

The designs also features bicycle spaces and charging spots for mobility scooters. A new access will be created from Queen Elizabeth Avenue, with the existing one closed and a pedestrian footpath and grass verge constructed.

The facility, if approved, would feature a lodge manager and video entry system, owners' lobby and lounge, guest suite and communal toilets and bin stores.

A Churchill spokesman said: "Our proposed development will help improve the health and wellbeing of those who live there, creating a vibrant new community near the heart of town and enabling people to enjoy an independent, active lifestyle for longer.

"Retirement housing is the most effective form of residential development for generating local economic growth, creating local jobs, increasing local high street spend and boosting the housing market by enabling downsizers to free up under-occupied properties in the local area."

NFDC has already received six letters of objection, with one claiming: "I have worked as a community carer for 10 years in Lymington and most of the retirement buildings in Lymington are at 50% capacity and aren't selling.

"All of my generation 25-35 years are being forced out as there are not affordable homes being considered in this town. All for monetary gain."

Another commented: "God’s Waiting Room twinned with Lymington."

As reported in the A&T, police officers relocated from the old building, which dates back to 1952, into space at the town hall in October 2020.

Lymington Society spokesperson Donald Mackenzie has previously claimed building more retirement flats in the town would "drive out young families".

A decision is expected after the deadline for public consultation on 14th October.