DEMAND for retirement accommodation could be eased if plans for a unique development near Diss are given the go ahead.

A planning application has been submitted to build a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) comprising 90 units – a mix of self-contained homes and grouped apartments – for elderly people off Norwich Road, in Scole - near to the Suffolk/Norfolk border.

The proposals also include a manager’s house and a community centre with a caf�, gym, library, IT facilities, hair salon, launderette, shop, administration office, consulting rooms and a spa.

CCRCs are a relatively new concept in this country and are more commonly found in America and Australia. They incorporate a mix of accommodation and community facilities with care and support on site for 24 hours a day.

The development is the idea of Peter Adams, the former owner of Scole Lodge care home – now known as Oaklands. The CCRC would be built on a 3.9-hectare site adjacent to the existing care home.

The two facilities would remain separate, but they would share the same access.

According to the plans, the proposed development would have “potential benefits to the residents, local community and local economy”.

The plans say: “The residents will benefit from maintaining physical and mental wellbeing and independence within a secure environment. Onsite care facilities will reduce demands on local health and social care institutions and provide local employment.”

A total of 90 car parking spaces would be provided onsite for residents and visitors, and the CCRC would employ 21 people.

Comments on the plans should be sent to South Norfolk Council by November 18.