A DEVELOPMENT of high-quality retirement accommodation is being proposed in a North Yorkshire market town.

Housebuilder McCarthy and Stone is looking to develop land off Westlands in Stokesley and turn it into apartments for older residents to downsize.

The plans are so far at an early stage, but developers will be staging a public consultation in the town over the next few weeks.

The retirement housebuilder will be inviting residents to meet with the project team and give their feedback on the initial plans.

McCarthy and Stone say they will incorporate residents’ views into the final plans where possible.

The area is adjacent to the Stokesley Grange development, which is currently under construction at the White House Farm site. There, a mixture of three, four and five bedroomed homes are being created, along with a mini roundabout to access the new streets.

Steve Secker, regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone (North East Region) said a need for this type of housing had already been identified in the district.

“With plans at an early stage, this is the ideal time for us to work with the local community to develop a scheme with a high-quality design that is in keeping with the surrounding area," he said.

“Our retirement living developments enable people to downsize and retain their independence, safe in the knowledge that support can be accessed easily if required.

“Owners of the proposed apartments are typically looking to ease the burden of maintaining a larger property, which should help to release these homes onto the market for local families that wish to remain in the area.

“In addition to this, there is an identified local need for this form of specialist housing in Stokesley.”

Early proposals were recently put before Stokesley Parish Council ahead of the public exhibition for the wider community.

Once consultations with local residents and other organisations has been completed, final plans will be drawn up and submitted to Hambleton District Council. McCarthy and Stone has set up a Freephone project information line for the development, on 0800 298 7040.