A PROPOSED development at Poundbury ’s showpiece square will provide dozens of assisted living apartments for over 70s.

Developer McCarthy and Stone has agreed to buy land by Queen Mother Square at Prince Charles’ model development to create a 62 purpose built homes.

The firm claims it will be the first block of its kind in the district and will enable elderly residents to live independently with all the facilities they require.

After reaching an agreement with the Duchy of Cornwall to buy the land for the development, regional land director for McCarthy and Stone Shane Paull said: “The purchase of such a prominent site is an exciting opportunity to provide a unique housing solution for the over 70s.

“The proposed assisted living development will be the first of its kind in West Dorset. It will increase the options for continued home ownership in later life in a location that supports our own principle of creating communities.”

The developers have released artist’s impressions of how the building, known as Bowes Lyon Court, could look as they prepare a planning application for the scheme and, if they receive approval, hope to have it completed next year.

The development will include 25,000 square feet of communal areas including a shared lounge and landscaped atriums and there will be staff on site 24 hours a day.

Residents will have access to a waitress service restaurant, domestic assistance and personal care tailored to meet their needs.

The Duchy of Cornwall’s Simon Conibear welcomed the proposals put forward as plans for Queen Mother Square move ahead at a pace.

He said: “McCarthy and Stone are very welcome as a new developer at Poundbury .

“Bowes Lyon Court designed by Working Group Architects is one of a number of important buildings which will define the centre of Poundbury.

“It is very close to Queen Mother Square where Quinlan Terry and Leon Krier are progressing the designs for the east and north buildings. We hope that Queen Mother Square will be completed within three years, including the erection of the statue of HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on a Portland stone plinth.”

For more information about the proposals contact McCarthy and Stone on 0800 919132.