A free car park in an Essex town could become a retirement living complex, with around 107 public parking spaces set to be lost.

McCarthy Stone is planning the redevelopment of the Baron Road Car Park in South Woodham Ferrers. It wants to build "specialist" retirement living accommodation, with 46 one—and two-bedroom homes.

The busy car park, which is run by Horizon Parking, has around 116 parking spaces and is close to various businesses and services, including a Co-Op, Club Woodham gym, Balgores estate agents, and a barbers. It is currently free to park there for up to four hours. 

Around 107 free parking spaces would be lost if the plans go ahead with just nine remaining for the public and 27 spaces reserved for the complex's residents. 

McCarthy Stone describes itself as the UK's leading developer and manager of retirement communities, and says the development "would be specially designed to meet the needs of older people." 

Plans for Baron Road Car Parl. (Credit: McCarthy Stone)

It has launched a public consultation on its plans. The consultation website states: "Redeveloping this site with specialist retirement accommodation will help provide much-needed homes for older people, and the need is well identified in local and national policy. 

"Chelmsford Council recognises there is an ageing population and identifies a need for new homes, including supported housing and independent living accommodation for older people, as a strategic priority in the adopted local plan 2020. National planning policy guidance identifies the need to increase the provision of homes for older people as 'critical.'

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"As part of our commitment to community engagement, we will be holding a wider public consultation in the coming weeks, and we will share further information in respect of this shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our consultation team by calling 0800 298 7040 or emailing [email protected]."  

A local plan is a council proposal for the homes and developments for the next few decades, often around 20 years.