THERE is 'big demand' for more retirement homes in Crowthorne, developers claim. 

Renaissance Retirement, the company behind plans to build a new retirement complex on land off Dukes Ride have batted off claims that the town doesn't need more housing for senior living and say they have had a lot of interest in the proposed apartments despite their minimal advertising. 

Set to be discussed at Bracknell Forest Council's planning committee on October 15, if approved the plans would see two residential homes converted into 33 luxury apartments which the company stress would not be classed as sheltered housing.

Robert Taylor, managing director of Renaissance Retirement said: "We believe we have a fantastic scheme that will make the people of Crowthorne proud.

"There is a fundamental demand for new, independent retirement housing in Crowthorne. Without doing any advertising we have collected a considerable number of local enquiries for the development if we were successful.

"The simple fact is that people are looking increasingly at this form of housing as part of their retirement plans. From the number of people who have requested more information if we are successful with our planning application, we are confident we have the right product and location."

The company claim research shows 10 per cent of residents in Crowthorne are over retirement age and say the demand in the area is for newly built, modern homes. 

Nick Watkins, the development director at the company says the new apartments would free up more than 30 family homes in the area and that the arrival of tradesman in the area will bring in extra investment. 

He said: "This is not going to be a care home but a luxury development for retirement living. Addressing the point that Crowthorne doesn’t need more housing for senior living, there are a number of second hand properties on the market advertising retirement apartments and this is true in every town.

However, our research and experience tells us people like to buy modern, well designed apartments with all the latest building enhancements which is also re-enforced by the number of enquiries we have already received. There is big demand for new retirement apartments in Crowthorne."

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