Public asked for view of plans for new retirement village on site of Ringwood raceway

PEOPLE are being asked for their views on draft plans for a new retirement community at Ringwood Raceway, proposed by developer Inspired Villages.

The company, which is backed by Legal and General and Natwest group pension fund, wants to build up to 330 apartments and cottages, along with a 60-bed care home on the land off Matchams Lane.

There would also be communal facilities including a café, restaurant, shop and hair salon along with a wellbeing centre incorporating fitness studio, gym and inside pool.

The homes would be restricted to buyers aged 70 and over. The site is currently home to Ringwood raceway which hosts motor sports meetings including banger racing.

Once completed, the new development would create 40-50 new jobs for the local community, said Inspired Villages.

It added the scheme would offer "beautiful, age-appropriate homes with a vibrant community at its heart that enriches the lives of both residents and locals thanks to the numerous wellbeing facilities and activities on offer".

Inspired Villages planning director Stuart Garnett said “The new community we are proposing will provide high quality retirement living housing on a largely previously developed site in desperate need of regeneration.

"We are working closely with bodies such as Natural England and the RSPB to bring forward plans for a new nature conservation area, which will enhance and much better protect the Dorset heathlands and habitats.”

Visit www.inspiredvillages.co.uk/village/matchams.