A VIRTUAL consultation is being held to exhibit plans for a retirement village on the site of the Wimborne Market.

McCarthy & Stone, the developer behind the plans, are hosting the consultation to provide the community the opportunity to view and comment on the early proposals for the site.

The plans are still at the preliminary stage, and no planning application has been submitted.

Shane Paull, divisional managing director at McCarthy & Stone, said: “We want to hear from the local community and our future homeowners on our unique plans for a retirement village in Wimborne.

“We will be displaying our proposal through a virtual exhibition to understand feedback on what we have done so far and respond to any queries the community has about the plans at this stage.

“That way, we can incorporate and address the views of the local community into the design process and our plans for the site, where possible.”

Earlier this year, it was announced the Wimborne Market would close and move to a different location.

Bosses blamed “excessively high business rates” and “changing shopping habits” for the closure.

Mr Paull continued: “Ensors, the owners of Wimborne Market, announced its intention earlier this year to relocate the market to a more suitable, alternative site within Wimborne, and our plans have since come forward to sensitively regenerate this site.”

“The plans mark the first of its kind for McCarthy & Stone, and we would be proud to be able to deliver our first retirement village in Dorset, the home of our head office.

“Our vision features an enhanced range of housing options across different tenures, including apartments and much-needed uniquely designed bungalows, all within a spacious, beautifully landscaped setting, creating an attractive new community.

“Importantly, homeowners would have access to 24-hour flexible on-site care and support designed entirely around their needs.”

The plans will be available to view and comment on until October 13 via the project’s dedicated website mccarthyandstoneconsultation.co.uk/wimborne/.

Residents who wish to engage in the consultation but cannot access the internet can contact the project team on 0800 298 7040, who will arrange for a hard copy to be sent.