Wates have submitted a proposal for a new modern retirement village in South Hornchurch, Havering, which will focus on improving residents' wellbeing and creating new green spaces.

The Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts site will provide 175 new high quality apartments, all of which will be designed to fully meet the needs and aspirations of local people who are approaching, or who have reached, retirement age.

The redevelopment of Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts is part of the first phase of Havering Council's '12 Estates' regeneration joint venture with Wates Residential. The £1 billion programme is set to deliver around 3,500 high quality homes over the next 12 to 15 years, doubling the amount of council rented accommodation and more than doubling the number of affordable homes.

The plans submitted to the Council's Planning Team show the main building will feature communal facilities, which include a residents' lounge, treatment studio for health and wellness, and communal lounge. These communal facilities will also provide space for group activities, local projects, meetings and functions.

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The plans also extend to the garden area, which will have distinct zones to encourage a range of wellbeing activities, such as relaxation, lawn games and a community growing area for accessible gardening. A social area will enable residents to socialise in a safe, welcome and attractive space.

Under the proposed designs, a large proportion of the brand new apartments will be designed as Wheelchair Adaptable. There will also be flexible storage space for either bicycles or mobility scooters.

Plans for the '12 Estates' scheme were subject to extensive public consultation, with more than 600 one-to-one meetings with local residents and businesses taking place across the wider regeneration project. The latest submission comes after plans for the Napier and New Plymouth House site in Rainham were approved by Havering's Strategic Planning Committee.

As part of a joint pledge to deliver a borough-wide legacy and boost the local economy, local supplier, Downwell Demolition, is carrying out the demolition at Solar, Serena and Sunrise Courts, which started in June.

Director of Regeneration, Neil Stubbings said: "The 12 Estates project is about creating local homes for local people. Our borough has such a diverse range of residents, so it is important we ensure our regeneration creates homes fit for everyone.

"The plans we are submitting will create a community where Havering's elderly residents can live safe and independent lives."

Kate Ives, Development Director for Wates Residential, also said: "Working with Havering Council, our focus is on building high quality homes for Havering's residents. Our modern retirement village will help provide safe, warm and well-equipped homes, and pleasant green spaces for local people who are approaching, or who have reached, retirement age.

"The '12 Estates' regeneration programme is also giving us the opportunity to deliver a borough-wide legacy as we work with local businesses like Downwell Demolition."

(MH/JG)