Huge retirement complex with restaurant, gym and pool planned for Cambs town

Comberton: There’s a big plan in the works for a new retirement complex in this Cambridgeshire village. They’re looking to build up to 200 homes, and it’s called an Integrated Retirement Community. Sounds fancy, right?

The proposal, put forward by Endurance Estates, includes a mix of care units and a clubhouse. They want to have a café and restaurant on the ground floor, plus a gym and swimming pool. It’s like a little community hub for older folks.

But here’s the catch: there’s been a ton of pushback. Out of 218 comments from locals, 217 were objections. People are worried about traffic, pollution, and the fact that the housing might be too pricey for many elderly residents.

The planning folks say there’s a real need for this kind of housing, especially since many older people struggle to find suitable places to live. They argue that this development could provide high-quality homes and even create jobs for locals.

However, the site is outside the village’s development area, which could harm the green belt. The planning officers are recommending that the proposal be turned down because it doesn’t fit with the rural vibe of Comberton.

A decision will be made by the South Cambridgeshire District Council on January 15. If you want to check out the full plans, you can find them online with the reference number 23/01448/OUT.