Scarborough: Retired residents' concern over plans for new flats

Residents at the Jazz Court Retirement Community are concerned at plans for further housing

Concerns have been raised over plans to turn three empty retail units into flats in North Yorkshire.

Residents at the Jazz Court Retirement Community, in Ashmead Square, Eastfield, have said they would prefer shopping facilities.

The Sanctuary Group developers submitted plans to convert the vacant retail spaces at the Middle Deepdale development in Scarborough.

They have been recommended for refusal by North Yorkshire Council.

Councillors on the Scarborough and Whitby area planning committee will meet this Thursday to decide on the proposal.

Residents said they believe the housing site already had a lack of facilities and that approval of the plans would make them "the first community in the UK to lose their local shops before they have even opened".

Jazz Court provides apartments and communal facilities for people aged over 55 who have retired, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

When its construction was approved in 2014, the council stated the creation of a "neighbourhood hub" with retail facilities was needed to ensure "the basic needs of local residents" were met, rather than further housing.

The extra care facility of 60 residential units currently has a restaurant in addition to the vacant retail units.

Currently, the nearest local shop is located on Eastway, which is located around 0.6 miles (1km) away.

'Lack of evidence'

Alongside objections from almost 30 residents, Eastfield Town Council said the scheme should be refused because "no real effort has been put into bringing retail to the units".

It added: "The proposal will diminish any opportunity for the residents of Middle Deepdale to have a much-needed and promised retail offering."

Despite assurances from the developer about its "extensive marketing efforts" for the units, the council said there was a "lack of evidence".

Planning officers said: "Little of the submitted information is supported by concrete written evidence.

"The statement does show that there has been at least some interest from prospective tenants at various periods since the units have been completed and the reasons why these have not been completed is unclear."

The scheme has been recommended for refusal by the planning authority.