Planning permission sought for 100 homes for older people at Woodford Garden Village

Specialists in providing housing and care for people later in life, Anchor Hanover, has submitted a planning application to construct over 100 new homes for older people at Woodford Garden Village.

The not-for-profit developer has exchanged contracts with the Woodford Garden Village developer, Harrow Estates, on a 4.29 acre portion of the former Woodford Aerodrome site.

The proposed scheme will see 104 high-quality Extra Care homes built for older residents and comprise 87 apartments for shared ownership or affordable rent and 17 shared ownership bungalows. Other on-site communal facilities proposed will include a bistro, lounge, beauty salon, guest suite and extensive parking.

The Anchor Hanover community will be part of the 920 home Woodford Garden Village consented masterplan on the Stockport-Cheshire border, which also includes generous green and open space, commercial space, plus a pub and primary school. The 205-hectare site was previously home to Woodford Aerodrome, with a long history of aircraft manufacturing dating back to the 1920s including production of many British aviation wonders such as the Lancaster Bomber, Vulcan Bomber and Nimrod.

Charles Taylor, Head of New Business at Anchor Hanover, said:

The latest addition to our portfolio adds another string to our bow. Anchor Hanover’s ambitious development strategy remains comfortably on track, most notably our target to delivery over 5,700 quality homes for people in later life.”

Brewster Bye are architects on the scheme which has been designed to include designated disabled parking, scooter storage and level access for all. HAPPI design principles, which include maximizing seating areas, and creating ample communal and shared facilities, as well as a strong connection with the outdoors, have also been incorporated throughout. Emily Cain from the firm, said:

“Inclusivity has been at the heart of our design process. The apartments and bungalows will operate as one unified development, with care and services being delivered to the occupants of both. People living in the bungalows will have seamless access to the communal facilities in the apartment building, which include a communal lounge, bistro, kitchen, hair salon, and therapy areas.”

If plans are approved, construction could start from early 2022 with the first residents able to move in from spring 2024. Charles Taylor added: