Our Proposals
The proposed development would provide 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for retirement living alongside communal amenities and outdoor space.
All developments by Churchill Retirement Living include an internal Owner's Lounge and coffee bar as well as high quality external amenity space designed for passive exercise and the visual enjoyment of residents over 60 years of age, rather than active recreational uses. Planting is considered for longevity, colour all year, seasonal change, maintenance and local native biodiversity.
The proposal also includes three commercial shop units at ground floor which will open onto, and help to revitalise, Brewery Court. The commercial space could be let as one large space, or three multiple units, depending on market need.
Interactive Plan
You can explore the proposals using the interactive plan below. Please click on the letters within the plan to reveal more information and interactive elements.
Design
The proposed building would be four storeys, with the fourth story presented as a mansard roof consistent with the approved building opposite the site at land to the north of the Brewery car park.
The proposed materials have been chosen to reflect those materials and features found in the local area, including:
- Buff brick to match Cotswold stone tones, with matching heads and cills.
- Cream render with cast stone heads.
- Mansard roof with slate-effect roof tiles.
The proposed development would be constructed to modern standards, ensuring each apartment is as energy efficient as possible. State of the art technology will ensure low internal water consumption and photovoltaic solar panels on the roof will deliver a 10% saving in CO2 emissions.
Before / after slider showing proposed view of commercial use from Brewery Court
Before / after slider showing proposed view looking east from Sheep Street car park
Before / after images of proposed view looking north from Cripps Road
Benefits
Supporting local businesses – The site is well-located to shops and essential services in Cirencester town centre reducing the need to travel by car and delivering a significant uplift in local expenditure at local shops and businesses. The proposals would also add commercial units fronting Brewery Court.
Regeneration of an important site – The proposals would bring this long-term vacant site into positive and beneficial use and make a significant contribution locally in terms of social, economic and environmental benefits.
Meeting the needs of older people – By moving to a Churchill Retirement Community of like-minded people, isolation and loneliness are significantly reduced as are anxieties related to the maintenance of the home and to safety and security experienced by many older people, enabling our residents to enjoy greatly improved health and general wellbeing.
Reducing demands on health and social services – Retirement communities reduce the risk of health challenges by helping to reduce social isolation and loneliness for elderly people as well as improving safety and security.
Freeing up homes – Research has shown that by providing homes at the top of the housing ladder, which better meet the needs and aspirations of older people, helps release many larger, second-hand properties back onto the market for local families to move into. In turn smaller homes are also released which are suitable for first-time buyers.
Need for retirement living
The 2021 Census showed 26.1% of people In Cotswold District were aged 65 years and over. This is higher than the national average. The 2018 sub national household projections show that between 2018 and 2043 the greatest population increase in Cotswold District is predicted in those aged 75 and over.
The Gloucestershire Care Home Strategy promotes independence in old age. It seeks to reduce the number of people placed in residential care homes and enable people to remain in their own homes and communities, for as long as possible.
The Gloucestershire Local Housing Needs Assessment (September 2020) identifies a need for 2,332 additional extra care and sheltered housing units in Cotswold between 2021 and 2041. It highlights that “The provision of suitable housing in the community which older people find desirable and suitable to live in as they age will release a considerable number of larger properties which will then be available for families”.
The recent Cirencester Neighbourhood Plan also identifies that “the town has an above average proportion of people 65+ years for England (23.4% versus 18%)”. It goes on to acknowledge that within the town there are limited housing opportunities for older people to downsize.
Parking
The proposal includes 22 unallocated parking spaces in addition to parking for electric mobility buggies. A pedestrian access onto Cripps Road will provide easy access to Cirencester Town Centre.
The typical age profile of those currently living at a Churchill Retirement community is an 80-year old widow. Generally, 50% of residents also come from within a 5-mile radius of the location.
Given the above, residents of Churchill communities tend to not have cars. It is also generally found that those who do initially have cars tend to give them up soon after moving into a lodge as they no longer need it given the sustainable location and neighbourly living environment.
You can download a copy of the exhibition boards using the button below: