Delayed decision on retirement flats goes to appeal

A developer who wants to build retirement flats in the grounds of a former home for the blind has taken his case to the Planning Inspectorate after a council failed to make a decision.

Dipak Patel put forward plans to North Northamptonshire Council to build 36 apartments for over-55s on land by the former Darsdale Home in Raunds in 2021.

The former home in Chelveston Road closed in 2022 after the Care Quality Commission rated it inadequate.

It then opened in November 2024 as Evergreen Care Home.

Mr Patel put forward proposals in September 2021 to turn green space within the grounds of the former Darsdale Home into retirement apartments, with communal facilities and parking spaces.

The developer said it would include “high quality apartments” helping to “create an inclusive and sustainable community for the future”, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The council received objections from neighbours who said they would be overlooked and it would mean the removal of amenity space for residents of the existing care home.

One resident said: “The uncertainty surrounding this application has significantly impacted my mental health.

“The potential implications for my property value and the overall quality of life in the neighbourhood have created a constant source of stress.”

Planning negotiations over the site have continued with North Northamptonshire Council.

In 2022 issues over surface water drainage was raised by the flood authority and was rectified in 2023.

Due to no decision on the plans being made yet, a planning inspector will now review the scheme through written representations with final comments due by 10 November.

A decision will be made after that date.