THE director of a first-of-its-kind retirement community project near Burnham hopes they can have their first buildings ready by the end of next year.

Think Green Land Ltd wants to build a retirement community near Maldon Road, Burnham, consisting of 103 bungalows, 55 independent living buildings and a 70-bed care home.

Ian Holloway, director of the project, believes the community, if given the go-ahead, will be the first of its kind for the UK, having been based on personal experiences of getting elderly loved ones housed in quality accommodation.

The outline planning application also includes a community centre, including a multi-functional hall, outdoor pool, tennis court and parking area, along with a cafe and shops with up to eight key worker flats.

The shops could include a coffee shop, butchers, bakers, grocers and a hairdresser.

The proposed medical centre would provide GP care, dental and optician facilities.

Speaking to the Standard, Mr Holloway said: “We want to deliver a quality of care and quality of environment that is not yet available in the UK.

“We’re not worrying as much about profit as the national builders and developers.

Yes, we do want it to run and create a profit in order for it to be sustainable, but the quality matters to us more than putting a tick in a box.

“The first thing we’re going to build is the independent living buildings.

Currently one of the highest costs of independent living care is taken up in travelling to and from those that need to be cared for.

“Having on-site care is significantly more efficient and effective. The medical centre will also be built as part of the first phase to support the independent living units.

"We’d also be looking for people to move in who have experience in running butchers, bakers and other services to give it a safe, friendly, community feel. That is really, really important to us.

“It’s similar to the American and Australian model which you don’t find in the UK. If all goes to plan, we’d like to deliver the first buildings by the end of 2019.

Mr Holloway emphasised the company’s eco-friendly credentials. The development will have pathways and green spaces, with electronic cars and buggies to help people get around.

A bungalow will be heated by the same amount of power as a single lightbulb.

The outline planning application is due to go before Maldon District Council on September 26.

Mr Holloway added: “Nationwide the country is facing increasing populations and dwindling resources.

“We want to have our elderly housed in a place where they will be comfortable and cared for. Sadly, there aren’t enough places like that at the moment.”