McCarthy Stone has launched a consultation for a proposing to development of 35 one and two-bedroom retirement living apartments in Old Charlton Road, just off Tilehouse Street.
The site is currently made up four bungalows, but documents make no mention of these being demolished to make way for the development, nor what will happen to the residents of these homes.
Now, a spokesperson for McCarthy Stone has confirmed to the Comet that the owners of 14, 12, 10 and 8 Old Charlton Road have agreed to sell their properties if a yet-to-be-submitted planning application is approved by North Herts Council.
“I can confirm that the owner-occupier occupants of the current properties on the site have entered into a contract to sell their homes subject to planning being secured for the McCarthy Stone proposal”, they said.
McCarthy Stone argue that housing for the elderly should be the priority, with the consultation documents reading: “There is a real need for this type of housing in Hitchin, with an ageing population and limited specialist accommodation for local older people to downsize to.
An aerial view of what the retirement living development could look like. (Image: McCarthy Stone)
“Our proposals would help to address this issue, allowing local older people the opportunity to move into a more suitable home, while staying close to friends and family in Hitchin.”
As well as the online consultation, and in-person exhibition McCarthy Stone is also holding an in-person exhibition on Thursday, February 27, between 3pm and 7pm at The British Schools Museum in Queen Street.
The online consultation runs until Tuesday, March 11, have your say at mccarthystoneconsultation.co.uk/hitchin/.