Developer’s plans for retirement apartments at St Albans hotel

One of the UK’s largest developers of privately owned retirement property has revealed plans to redevelop land at a St Albans hotel and build about 50 apartments.

McCarthy & Stone is in the early stages of discussions with St Albans district council about a proposal for an assisted living scheme at the Quality Hotel, London Road.

Company representatives recently met with neighbouring residents to outline initial plans and discuss possible concerns about building at the site such as traffic problems.

In a statement to the paper, a spokesman for the developers said the firm had acquired an interest in land at the Quality Hotel.

He added: “The scheme is likely to incorporate around 47 one and two bedroom apartments with a range of communal facilties such as a full service restaurant, function room and residents’ lounge.

“Attractive landscaping will form an important part of this proposal to ensure the scheme provides a positive addition to the character of London Road.

“McCarthy & Stone has spent time researching housing demand in the local area and believe St Albans is an area that would benefit from specialist retirement accommodation.

“These proposals would help people struggling to maintain a large property find more suitable accommodation and free up these homes for local families.”

The hotel will continue to operate as normal “for the current time”.

A public exhibition will be held within the next few months to explain the scheme further, before it is finalised and submitted to the council.