Major plans for 'retirement community' at Parley Cross

Bournemouth-based McCarthy Stone is looking to use the land on the corner of New Road and Christchurch Road (Parley cross) for the project. 

The site, next to Lidl’s new supermarket, received approval for some commercial uses, new homes and park space in February 2021 as part of a wider scheme for the former field. 

McCarthy Stone’s proposals include 50 “high quality” one- and two-bedroom retirement apartments, 25 affordable apartments, shared facilities including a communal lounge and gardens with parking for 33 cars. 

Homes are being built at Kingsmere Park (Image: Bellway)

In addition, a drive-thru coffee shop could be built, a convenience hot food and drink outlet and around three shops fronting Christchurch Road on the ground floor of the retirement block. 

Simon Broomfield, divisional development director for McCarthy Stone Southern, said: “We are pleased to reveal our exciting plans for retirement and affordable housing alongside commercial units and public spaces in West Parley. 

“With construction for the wider site well underway, the proposals seek to complete the aspirations for this important corner, linking the commercial and community spaces with the existing offering in West Parley.  

“This investment would not only help to boost the local commercial offering, but it will also help address a demand for retirement accommodation in the area and deliver much-needed affordable housing for local people.” 

A spokesman for McCarthy Stone said: “McCarthy Stone retirement communities keep older people happier, healthier and independent for longer, reducing the strain on the social care and health system. 

“They also address the housing crisis by freeing up homes at the top of the ladder for young people and first-time buyers, and revitalise town centres and high streets by regenerating sites where our customers wish to live. 

“There is a significant need for this type of development both nationally and locally, and it is important that communities address the current and future needs of their residents.” 

According to Dorset Council’s strategic housing market assessment, there is a need for around 2,600 specialist retirement housing across Dorset up to 2038. 

The spokesman added: “This increases the need for specialist retirement living accommodation. There is also a need for over 1,700 affordable housing units needed across Dorset per year.  

“Our proposals would help to meet this demand, allowing local older people to move into a more suitable home, while staying close to friends and family in West Parley.” 

McCarthy Stone is holding a virtual exhibition as part of a consultation for the plans until September 8 – with an in-person exhibition planned for August 22 between 2pm and 6pm at St Marks Church in New Road. 

Mr Broomfield added: “Our retirement developments have wider benefits for the local economy, with our residents typically using local shops and services daily, or often.  

“This additional spending can help maintain local outlets from the newsagents and the butchers to the bakery, pub, and local cafe - in other words the shops and community spaces that make up the heart of the local community.”  

The developer Bellway is currently building 236 homes in the first phase of Kingsmere Park, including one and two-bedroom apartments and two, three and four-bedroom houses.  

The development is planned to form part of a wider neighbourhood of 386 homes, alongside 14 acres of green open space and half an acre of allotments. 

Meanwhile Lidl’s new supermarket has been open since November.