HVA Meet with ‘Inspired Villages Group’
HVA committee memeber Julie Brodie recently met with Jake Atkinson who was representing Inspired Village Group (IVG). IVG are proposing to build a luxury retirement village comprising 1, 2 and 3 bedroom homes in Benhall Mill Road. THe HVA wanted to understand a bit more about this proposal and a few of the key points from the meeting are noted below.
Because of the type of planning application there will be no social housing within this development. The ground is on lease for 125-250 years.
The developer is indicating that the trees and hedges currently on the site will remain untouched as much as possible during the development. There is likely to only be a single entrance and exit for in and out traffic.
There will be extra care facilities which are planned to be subcontracted to Blue Ribbon Care. IVG say based on data from their existing ‘villages’ that the average age will be 78. Because of this they don’t think the development will have too much impact on Hawkenbury residents and infrastructure. The staff to resident ratio is 1:3 based on an estimate of approximately 50 staff in total.
IVGs plans for the site include a 16-metre swimming pool with a slimming and wellness centre for residents. This will also be open non-residents of a certain age with a membership. IVG have contacted St. Peters and Claremont schools offering the pool facilities during term time and school hours.
IVG plan to install electric charging points for electric vehicles including mobility scooters and they will have two electric taxis available to residents. IVG are hoping to include a surgery on site and they are currently in talks with the NHS. The HVA strongly recommended they pursue this option because the GP’s in Tunbridge Wells are already stretched.
Since the meeting with the HVA we understand the planning application has been made to Wealden District Council.
See link to inspired villages below for more information
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