Plans have been lodged to transform the SMC Euroclamp industrial site in Bollington into retirement apartments and a care home. Liberty Care Developments Limited and McCarthy & Stone Retirement Lifestyles seek to demolish existing industrial buildings on Albert Road to construct 40 apartments and a 75-bed care home.
Details of the Proposed Development
The planning statement, submitted by AshtonHale on behalf of the applicants, outlines: 'The care element of the proposed development comprises 75 en suite bedrooms. The retirement living element includes a total of 40 apartments – 26 one-bedroom and 14 two-bedroom.' The scheme is designed so both elements complement each other while remaining distinct and operable separately.
The retirement living property will feature a communal lounge, guest suite, CCTV entry, 24-hour careline, day manager, and maintained gardens. It will be bespoke accommodation for residents aged 55 and over requiring supported housing in a community environment. The three-story building will be 'set back considerably from Albert Road.'
Specialist Dementia Care
The 2.5-storey care home will provide specialist dementia care and 24-hour elderly nursing care. The planning statement notes: 'The residents in the care home will have reached a stage where they cannot safely live in their own homes or unable to acquire the correct type of care in hospital.' The care home will be accessed from the eastern access and have its own car park, fronting Albert Road similarly to existing development.
Employment Impact
A report commissioned by the applicants indicates a need for both accommodation types. Despite the loss of employment land, the proposal would create 61 additional full-time equivalent jobs compared to current operations. The planning document states attempts to market the site for employment uses have been unsuccessful.
The application, number 26/2249/FUL, is available on Cheshire East Council's planning portal. The deadline for comments is August 5.
