Have your say on planning application for homes for elderly people in Bedfordshire town

New plans have been submitted for homes for older people in Flitwick - and you're being invited to have your say on the proposals.

The plans for the site on Steppingley Road - the site of the former leisure centre - have been split into two parts including a care home, independent living scheme and community facilities on the left-hand side of the site complemented with contemporary homes and apartments on the right-hand side for people who wish to downsize.

And you can find out more at some virtual information sessions, using Microsoft Teams.

Book a place on Central Bedfordshire Council's website here for a session on Thursday, February 11 from 7-8.30pm or Monday, February 15 between 1-2.30pm.

The independent living scheme is made up of 88 one and two-bed self-contained apartments for the over 55s.

The residential care home will have 72 en-suite rooms, private gardens and is designed to modern standards that deliver excellent infection control.

The planning application is live on the council’s online planning pages here where people can make comments until February 26. Immediate neighbours of the site will have received a letter inviting them to comment.

Cllr Eugene Ghent, executive member for housing and assets, said: “Not only do we know that there is an increasing older population in Central Bedfordshire, but we also know that people are looking for choice.

"People want to remain independent for as long as possible, but that needn’t mean staying in their family home until it’s too difficult to manage. Independent living schemes offer the best of both worlds, and we would welcome comments from those living in and around Flitwick.”

The planning application is set to be considered by the council’s development management committee in early May. If approved, work could start in October 2021 and take two years to complete.