PLANS to build 100 homes and a care village in Newport are to be unveiled to the public later this week.

Langley Upper Green-based developer Pelham Structures Ltd is to present its proposals for land at Burywater Nurseries and Whiteditch Lane at a series of exhibitions on June 5, 8 and 11.

The care village will include three facilities – an off site supportive care section for 60 two bedroom apartments; 60 rooms for patients requiring extra close care, designed for those with Alzheimers and Dementia; and 20 two-bedroom and 20 one-bed apartments for over 55s.

Director Bill Bampton said the firm’s scheme had been drawn up using feedback from public consultations held to gather opinion on Uttlesford District Council’s draft Local Plan.

The 100-home aspect has been suggested by Pelham on adjacent land not owned by the firm as a possible way of incorporating any required new housing.

Originally the draft plan earmarked the land for 300 homes, while last year the Reporter revealed how Pelham Structures was considering a proposal which included the option of rebuilding Newport Free Grammar School.

“It has been made clear to both us and the district council that large numbers of housing in Newport would not be well received,” said Mr Bampton.

“Members of the parish council were keen to see employment opportunities on this site and the care village we are proposing would provide a number of predominantly local jobs.”

Congestion and safety issues outside the grammar school had also been taken into account, according to Mr Bampton, who said the care village would have a lower traffic demand than housing, and would not conflict with peak traffic.

He added: “The care village will cater for all levels of care from almost independent to full dementia. Most of the current care provision in Uttlesford, of which there is a shortage, is in towns, so the reason we think Newport is a suitable place is because it gives people the rural feel that they are used to from having lived all their lives in what is largely a rural district.”

The public exhibitions are scheduled to be held at Church House.

The first will take place from 4-8pm next Wednesday, before further showings from 10am-4pm on June 8 and 4-8pm on June 11.

Mr Bampton urged people to come out and voice their opinions. He added: “Often people who strongly oppose a scheme see problems those who support it don’t, so we want as much feedback as possible – positive and negative – so we can take it on board and minimise or remove people’s concerns.”