PLANS for much needed accommodation for over 55s on Canvey have been thrown out - after the developer failed to factor in wheelchair and mobility scooter needs.

Castle Point is facing a deficit of homes for older residents, with the council’s latest strategic housing market assessment in 2017 identifying a projected increase of 9,418 people aged 65 and over between 2014 and 2037.

Plans had been submitted to build a three storey block of 27 flats on land between Long Road and Haron Close, specially catering for over the age of 55.

But the proposal has been blocked, with the council concerned over a lack of wheelchair accessible bathrooms, mobility scooter parking and safe pedestrian access.

But the council did recognise the site is suitable for future development, although not on this scale.

And long-standing Canvey councillor, Ray Howard said: “Nationally there is the issue of the ageing population, but we have been told specifically in Castle Point that it could present an issue.

“And we do have the responsibility to provide a homes for a variety of people, with a variety of different needs. We do not get a huge amount of planning applications like this, for specialist types of housing, so it is a shame it’s not quite up to scratch. We need to be addressing people with specific needs.

“I understand why council officers have rejected the plans, but I would always like to see applications like this come in front of a committee, so that debate can happen and specific feedback can be given.

“It is important we address the ageing population issue.”

There are a number of sheltered housing facilities on Canvey already, including Sweetbriar Lodge, Willalla House, Amelia Blackwell House and Beatrice Littlewood House.

The council officers report said: “It is not considered that the applicant has sufficiently demonstrated that the proposal is to provide specialist housing.

“The current scheme has only limited facilities to identify as specialist housing and the failure of the scheme to provide facilities such as wheelchair accessible bathrooms, mobility scooter parking and safe and convenient pedestrian access both to the building and adjoining amenity areas prejudices its ability to perform adequately as specialist housing.”