PLANS to demolish an extra care facility in Appleton and replace it with 51 flats have been submitted to the council following more than a year of consultation.

Residents living at Broomfields, an independent living complex for over 55s, were told last June by housing giant Torus that if they wanted to continue to receive care beyond 2020, they would have to move to a purpose-built centre in Padgate.

The proposals sparked serious concerns amongst residents as they were told rent and service charges would change and it would no longer include care.

Following a backlash from residents and councillors, Torus offered a further option of the new purpose-built accommodation for people aged 55 and over.

Finding suitable alternative accommodation for the residents became a ‘priority’ for Torus in January.

A spokesperson said: “To this end, we are upgrading and adapting a number of bungalows in Appleton, which will then accommodate some of the affected residents.

“Suitable accommodation will be secured for those tenants who have expressed a wish to move to other areas of Warrington, either with ourselves or other housing providers.

“Our knowledgeable and experienced staff will be on hand to make this process as smooth as possible.

“We’ll be doing our best to maintain the social side of life at Broomfields too.”

The new extra care scheme will be made up of 23 one-bed and 28 two-bed flats, 28 car parking spaces and communal facilities.

In planning documents, developers say the existing site is ‘increasingly dated in comparison to the over 55s accommodation which is generally being built by Torus in other areas’.

Over the years the building has been modified, however the generally upkeep costs of the building in relation to the number of units accommodated on site mean that it is ‘increasingly inefficient’ according to documents.

Following the completion of a review, it was decided that both the existing accommodation and the layout were ‘substandard and inefficient’ and given the age of the existing building it would be ‘uneconomic’ to refurbish the complex.

The proposal seeks to replace the whole site with a modern scheme, which will provide up to date and flexible accommodation and communal support facilities such as a residents lounge, multi-purpose rooms, a laundry, office and buggy store. Upper floors will also have a mix of Juliet and full balconies

There will be a mix of tenure on site including both units for sale and for affordable rent.

It is estimated the building work will take two years to complete and will start in 2020.