Retirement/Care Community Secured at Great Dunmow, Essex

Tetlow King Planning (TKP) has achieved planning permission in Uttlesford District for 26 extra care flats, at the Moat House on the edge of the village of Great Easton near to Great Dunmow, Essex, for Retirement Villages Ltd.

This permission completes the second and final phase of TKP’s involvement to secure a high quality care community, developed to modern standards and consumer expectations.  Permission was achieved by TKP in 2008 for a 60 bed care home, associated parking and landscaping.  This is at an advanced stage of construction with completion set for late August 2011.

The 26 extra care flats will be developed on the site of the outmoded existing care home; which is to be demolished. Communal facilities for the residents of the extra care units will be provided in the adjacent ‘clubhouse’, accessible by way of a lift, providing a separation from the living areas for residents. The majority of the units make the most of the views of the landscaped garden areas with large windows and Juliet balconies.

The development concept (once completed) will offer an integrated community providing a choice of care and support; through the extra care units, the care home and linked communal facilities.  Residents will have security and peace of mind that their care requirements will be met whatever their needs in the future.

TKP submitted a care needs assessment with the application demonstrating the need for the scheme and persuaded both the planning officers and the Planning Committee that the proposals would suitably provide for the ageing population within Uttlesford District, especially in light of the lack of extra care accommodation currently available locally.

The consultant team included (among others) KWL Architects, HCD Engineering and Tisdall King Associates Landscaping.