New retirement flats “look like a prison”, residents say after new plans were revealed

A proposal has been submitted to build a number of retirement flats on a Coventry car park. The plan, which includes 51 flats located off Radford Road, was presented to the council on June 13.

The proposed three-storey structure is designed to provide private housing for people aged 60 and over, along with communal spaces. McCarthy Stone, a company that oversees UK retirement properties, is spearheading the development.

Coventry Live readers are concerned, however, that the development could lead to the loss of a significant number of parking spaces in a private car park. The proposal suggests 130 spaces would be removed, with the remaining 20 for residents of the new development and a further seven spaces potentially created on an access road. Readers had their say on the building’s design in our comments section and on Facebook.

Read more: Outcry over plans for ‘unattractive’ new homes on Coventry garage block site

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Comment mouse111 says: “51 apartments, I wonder if there will be 51 parking spaces. Let’s not assume that everyone will have a vehicle, but these days, when offices and multiple spaces are being built, there is never enough space for cars. Then it’s a big impact on the community.”

Chris Storey agrees: “Residents of the new complex would have visitors arriving by car. There just aren’t enough parking spaces at all!” No brainer answers: “No need for parking spaces as there is nothing to be found in Coventry city centre.”

Ijg likes the plan: “Great idea. Unusual for Coventry.” Lordgodiva disagrees: “Expensive private ‘assisted living’ apartments for cash/asset rich boomers? The poor are not allowed.”

Bobthesheep replies: “Maybe they worked 45 years so you don’t think they should have a good pension?!” AndrewDrinkwater is relieved: “Well, at least it’s not student accommodation.”

Further Facebook Pat Healey is in favour: “We need more accommodation for the elderly and disabled, we just hope they are properly staffed.”

Gail Noctor is not impressed: “Not very nice, not even a porch. So no fresh air for people who can’t get out much.” Kate Hawkes agrees: “What a horrible looking building!” Mel Mulvaneycan see: “More Jail Cells for the Elderly.”

Chris Jones agrees: “It looks like a prison block, no balconies, no interesting shapes. Horrible.” Helen O’Brien replies: “You’ll probably find (in all seriousness) that’s because they’re designed by architects who also design prisons, take a look at some of the schools too, notably Grace Academy, which looks exactly like a prison inside.”

What do you think of the new development? Does it look like a prison block? Tell us what you think in our comments section.

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