More details of a retirement home planned for Penwortham have been announced.

The St Mary’s Church Hall has proposals to demolish it and in its place a 50-bedroom block of retirement apartments would be built.

McCarthy and Stone has bought the site and is in the process of tabling its plans to South Ribble Borough Council.

Nearby residents are being invited to view the proposals at a public exhibition in September.

New artist impressions give a better idea of the size and scale of the retirement flats, which would comprise of one and two bedroom apartments.

Plans for St Mary’s have the support of the vicar of St Mary’s Church.

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Reverend Chris Nelson, who would be a neighbour to the site, said: “We are delighted to have such a well-known and trusted developer take on the site as we look to the future of the Mission of St Mary’s Parish for the 21st century and beyond.

“The Church Hall is beyond economic repair and has come to the end of its operational life, and the sale of the land will allow the Diocese to invest in the Mission of the wider Church. Locally, we will be able to expand our facilities and work from the Ancient Parish Church site.

“I know that many parishioners are excited at the prospect of McCarthy and Stone coming to Penwortham as many in our community have expressed a desire for such a development.”

The 6th Penwortham St Mary’s Scout Group, who have their headquarters to the west of the site, have also given their blessing.

Group Scout leader Tim Parker said: “The Scout Group has had their Headquarters here for the last 45 years, and we are pleased to welcome McCarthy and Stone as our new neighbours.”

The developers are putting on a public exhibition on Tuesday 12 September between 3pm and 7pm at the church hall in Cop Lane.

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Regional managing director for McCarthy and Stone North West Ian Wilkins said: “We are looking forward to speaking to the local community about our proposals, and hearing their feedback. This development would provide much-needed specialist housing in Penwortham, and would positively contribute to the local community through a high-quality, attractive design.”

Members of the McCarthy and Stone project team will be there to answer questions and listen to feedback ont the current designs before final proposals are submitted.

Anyone who can’t attend can call 08002987040 or visit the project website for more details.

Do you live in the area? What do you think about the proposals? Let us know in the comments below