April 11 2017

Draft proposals for 65 apartments drawn up by retirement specialists McCarthy & Stone and Holmes Miller for the South Ayrshire town of Prestwick have sparked controversy over the proposed redevelopment of Malcolm Sargent House.

A specialized assisted living scheme is earmarked for residents aged over 70, enabling older homeowners to maintain an independent lifestyle while within 24-hour reach of care staff, but hackles have been raised by the loss of another historic building in the town.

McCarthy & Stone have successfully applied to purchase Malcolm Sargent House, a former children’s cancer home, prompting the developer to press ahead with a public consultation on their plans through to the 14 April.

Criticising a decision to award outline consent for demolition Bill Mutter told Urban Realm: “The decision to demolish an historical building and replace it with a new development is out of the character of the neighbourhood. The proposed development is over-bearing, out-of-scale and out of character in terms of its appearance compared with existing development in the vicinity.”

Russ Stewart, development director at McCarthy & Stone, commented: “We are committed to consulting with communities and value the feedback we receive greatly so encourage people to attend the exhibition.”

A formal planning application will be lodged following conclusion of the public consultation.

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