DEVELOPERS have launched plans to demolish an unused care home in Frinton and create new retirement apartments in its place.

A deal is in place for the Anna Victoria nursing home to be sold to Churchill Retirement Living.

The firm plans to knock down the home in Pole Barn Lane, which has stood empty since 2013.

A new purpose-built complex will be created in its place, if permission is granted.

The complex will be made up of about 40 privately-owned one and two-bedroom apartments.

It will be exclusively for people aged 60 or over and will have gardens, a communal lounge and an on-site manager.

A consultation is under way to gather opinions from Frinton residents before an application is submitted to Tendring Council.

People can view an outline of the plan and comment until February 17 at churchillretirement.co.uk /planning/live-consultations Andrew Burgess, planning director at Churchill Retirement Living, said: “We place great importance on engaging with local communities during the planning process and providing them with an opportunity to have their say on our early-stage plans.

“We believe our proposals for this site will significantly enhance the local area and provide much-needed specialist housing for older people.

“This scheme would be built using high-quality materials to a traditional design to ensure it is in keeping with the character of Frinton. If the development goes ahead, investment will also be made by Churchill Retirement Living towards local services and facilities, such as public open spaces and to off-site affordable housing.”

The Anna Victoria nursing home was previously run by Christian charity Pilgrims’ Friend Society.

The group decided to close the home at the end of 2013 due to a severe nursing shortage and recruitment struggles. Since then, it has stood empty and the charity put it up for sale last year.

The site has not yet changed hands, but a deal is in place for the sale to be completed as long as planning permission is granted.

The application will be submitted to Tendring Council after the consultation is completed next month.

Churchill Retirement Living hopes permission could be granted by late spring.