A NEW 65-apartment retirement complex could be built in Billericay if fresh plans are given the green light.

Plans have been submitted to Basildon Council to transform green belt land at Shepperd’s Tye, off London Road, into a modern retirement community.

Under the plans, 65 apartments would be built alongside communal facilities including a club lounge, bistro and kitchen, as well as a “wellness area”.

Applicant McCarthy and Stone has insisted there is a growing need for retirement accommodation, however concerns have been raised around the loss of green belt land.

Phil Turner, Conservative councillor responsible for Billericay West, said: “Developers have got to understand we are not happy giving over green belt land. This is why we withdrew the local plan.

“The facility itself in isolation, people would like to see these developments come forward. We are not against the actual development of homes and plans, just locations.

“We would argue there are better locations than taking green belt.

“It is sad that developers haven’t got that message yet as we don’t want a war with them, but we want them to work with us to find suitable locations.”

The 65 apartments would comprise of 34 one-bedroom, and 31 two-bedroom.

Applicant McCarthy Stone say there would also be 38 parking spaces, including three accessible spaces.

In the plans they stress the need for this form of accommodations, stating: “A growing number of reports have been published that emphasise the need to provide more and better housing for those in later life as well as the benefits that specialist accommodation for older persons delivers.

“The proposal will provide much needed retirement accommodation to meet the current and projected demands of the area.

“Between 2014 and 2024 the 65-plus population in Basildon grew by 3,017 and the 75-plus population grew by 2,822.

“The largest growth in percentage terms was in the 75-79 and 90-plus age cohorts, which respectively grew by 31 per cent and 22 per cent over the 10-year period. The older age cohorts are most likely to require and benefit from specialist seniors housing.”