It seems that the promised report on the care village plans for the Lowfields school site will not be available until at least May. That is despite the Council web site continuing to display a briefing promising the release of key facts this month (see right).
That is now impossible as deadlines for officer reports have passed.
Consultation with local residents was promised last year. So far only basic layout plans have been released. This showed two 45 bed care homes and 21 bungalows. All were located on the “footprint” of the old school buildings and playgrounds. This is about 6 acres of land with the remaining playing fields accounting for a further 7 acres.
While we know that most local residents support the care village plans, many have responded to surveys indicating that they wanted to retain open space on the site while several mentioned the need for new facilities such as communal allotments (there is a waiting list for allotments in the area).
It is possible that the final plans will have a higher density and mix of bungalows and assisted living housing for older people on the site whilst also retaining a village feel with open space etc. The accommodation could include affordable housing and a social hub for the village that local people could also use.
The current timetable is to complete any tendering and planning work and award contracts during 2012.
Building would start on site early in 2013. Completion is expected in April 2014.
