Plans are submitted for a retirement village in Little Waltham

Buttress is working with its client Opus Villages, with their response to the immediate and growing need for care-led retirement communities, nationally and within the Chelmsford area. 

The proposed development will create a variety of care-led accommodation within a village setting, known as an ‘integrated retirement community’.  The plans incorporate a registered care home with a specially designed ‘household’ for residents living with dementia. The wider development will also provide one hundred care apartments to support residents who choose to live independently but within a social and supportive community, as well as 45 assisted living suites which include an all-inclusive hospitality and support package. The plans were submitted after a public consultation which was held in June. 

The village facilities proposed as part of the development will also include a restaurant with private dining, café lounges, cinema, library, and craft room, as well as a bespoke spa and wellness centre, with a vitality pool, treatment rooms and activity studios.

As part of the approach to the landscape design, the proposals will maintain an area of open parkland to the north of the site as part of the design of the village setting. The scheme will enhance the biodiversity of the existing land, plant new trees, shrubs, hedgerows and species-rich grassland and create an attractive, accessible, high-quality landscape for residents and their families.

Commenting on the plans, Buttress’ David Coulson said:

“This is an interesting project as it involves a deep look into how people will age and what their lifestyle requirements will be.  In architectural terms, we’re leaving behind the traditional view of retirement living and elderly care and designing for all stages of later life. The Little Waltham design encourages the community to connect with each other, be active and live a healthy lifestyle as well, but do so in comfort and security.”

Opus' managing director, Paddy Brice commented:

“There is a major undersupply of purpose-built retirement housing, not only in the Chelmsford area, but throughout the country.  Little Waltham will go towards meeting the shortage as well as offering a high-quality, later living lifestyle opportunity.”

The plans have been submitted to Chelmsford City Council and will be reviewed in the next few weeks.  If the plans are approved, the project could start on-site in late summer 2025.

Find out more about Opus Villages and its work in retirement villages here.