Plans for 58 new retirement apartments on Royal British Legion site, in Felixstowe, back on East Suffolk Council’s table following delay

Plans to turn a former British Royal Legion site into 58 new retirement apartments are back on a council's table after a delayed decision.

East Suffolk councillors discussed plans submitted by Churchill Retirement Living to build the new apartments in 39 Mill Lane, Felixstowe, late last month but decided to defer their decision until more information could be provided.

Their decision was due to concerns raised by residents over the lack of parking on-site, initially proposed at 25 spaces to serve the 58 apartments.

The county council's highways department did not object to the proposals.

New documentation submitted to the council proposes four additional spaces, a ratio of 0.5 per apartment, which planning officers said was 'significantly higher than the predicted demand'.

A statement submitted on behalf of the company said offering older people a better choice of accommodation would help them live independently for longer, feel more connected to their communities, and reduce costs to the social care and health systems.

It estimated the development could save the NHS as much as £264,000 per year as well as generate £449,000 in spending in local shops and services.

To purchase one of these apartments, buyers would need to be aged 60 or over with a spouse or partner of at least 55-years-old.

The proposals set for discussion include improvements to nearby bus stops to include real-time information.

According to council papers, the plans should only be refused on highway grounds if there was an unacceptable impact on highway safety or cumulative impacts on the road network were severe — officers did not identify any of these.

The plans, which will be discussed on Tuesday, April 22, are recommended for approval.