McCarthy Stone moves to build 59 retirement homes in Fylde

A mixture of apartments and bungalows would replace the former Lytham Sixth Form College in Ansdell, according to plans submitted by the senior living developer.

McCarthy Stone’s proposals for the three-acre site off Albany Road include the demolition of the existing ex-school buildings – a four-storey teaching block and a single-storey administrative building. The existing 73-space car park would also be done away with, with the number of parking spaces reduced to 48.

In their stead would be a retirement living complex comprising 42 apartments and 17 bungalows, designed by MCK Architects.

The apartment block would have landscaped gardens for residents to enjoy, a guest suite, and a resident lounge. The bungalows would have their own parking and private gardens. The plans build upon a consultation that was held earlier this year.

McCarthy Stone’s managing director for the North, Ciaran Aldridge, spoke about why the site – which is within walking distance of a variety of shops and a bus station – was ideal for retirement living.

“Located close to the town centre, McCarthy Stone residents provide a vital boost to local businesses, typically using local shops and services daily, or often,” he said.

“Research shows that residents of a typical 59-home McCarthy Stone development would collectively spend £454,000 a year on the local high street. This spending would support local retail jobs and help to keep businesses open in Ansdell.”

The Planning Bureau is aiding McCarthy Stone with is application. The project team also includes Transport Planning, Kenny Waste Management, and RSK Land and Development Engineers.

E3P is charged with ecology, Focus with energy, Keen Consultants with arboriculture, and Cavendish with community engagement. Alder King is the viability consultant, while Three Dragons is handling the assessment of demand for retirement living in the area.

You can learn more about the scheme by searching application reference number 24/0106 on Fylde’s planning portal.

McCarthy Stone has several other projects in the North West – the developer is hoping to deliver 51 retirement apartments in Salford, 64 flats in Trafford, and 54 in Stockport. The senior living specialist maintains 521 retirement complexes across the country.