What do you think of plans to demolish office block to build retirement flats?

Britain’s leading provider of retirement housing McCarthy and Stone is hoping to redevelop the site of the empty Norfolk House, which is near the Capitol Theatre in North Street.

Proposals would see a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, including communal facilities, a residents’ lounge, and office for the house manager.

The developer will hold a public exhibition at Drill Hall in Denne Road on Wednesday April 23 from 3.30-7pm where residents will have a chance to ask questions and study plans.

A spokesperson for McCarthy and Stone said: “We’ve already spent time carefully researching the architecture and character of the local area, but we need to ensure that what we build is what our customers, as well as the local community, would like to see in Horsham.

“Our project team will be at the forthcoming exhibition to answer questions and listen to feedback on what we’ve done so far and the comments we receive will help us tailor our proposals into something people will want to see, enjoy and call home.”

A similar McCarthy and Stone scheme was approved in 2012 on the corner of Brighton Road and Clarence Road and is currently under construction.

According to the developer the proposal would look to complement the surrounding buildings by using building materials traditional to Horsham and would respect the local area.

The company has sent leaflets to properties surrounding Norfolk House inviting them to the consultation event.

It reads: “Out apartments are specifically designed to meet the needs of people in later life. They offer our residents an active, independent lifestyle in a safe and secure environment among like-minded people.”

The leaflet lists much needed retirement living housing for local people, ideal location close to public transport links shops and services, attractive design, high quality landscaped communal gardens, low levels of traffic generation and car ownership, and support for the local economy as benefits to the proposal.

Apartments can be occupied by people over 60, but the average age of residents on purchase is 78.

To find out more visit www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/horsham or if you have any comment call the freephone information line on 0800 298 7040.

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