PLANS have finally been submitted to South Downs National Park planners for a pay-to-live complex for the elderly in Petersfield – eight years after the previous one was closed.

The multi-million-pound scheme is a Hampshire County Council-led partnership with East Hampshire District Council and developer Housing 21.

They have put forward plans for affordable, modern housing on the site of the now-closed and dilapidated Bulmer House off Ramshill.

The proposed extra-care accommodation comprises 56 one- and two-bed modern, affordable flats specially created for those with care needs including dementia.

The county council’s lead member for adult services and public health, Cllr Liz Fairhurst, said: “I am so pleased we have reached this important milestone in the development of bespoke accommodation for older people in Petersfield.

“Extra-care provides fantastic housing for those who want to be as independent as possible, and part of a thriving community, but who also need the reassurance of care and support on site 24/7.

“Excitingly, the Petersfield plans include a living well community hub – a place for the wider local older population and their carers, in particular those living with dementia, to meet and socialise, as well as take part in activities to support their health and well-being.

“Extra-care is all about being part of a thriving community where people retain their independence but are never lonely.”

East Hampshire District Council deputy leader Cllr Julie Butler added: “This application is a great example of the council working with our partners to produce vital facilities that residents need.

“I’d like to recognise the massive amount of hard work from staff in all of the partner organisations that has got us to this stage, and I look forward to this excellent facility being available if permission is granted.”

A decision on the application is expected this autumn.

But the proposal first put forward in 2013 has had a bumpy ride so far.

It began when the county council said it would be uneconomical to upgrade the home and day centre and promised to replace it in a couple of years.

The move saw thousands of local residents signing a petition against the shutdown.

But the council went ahead and closed Bulmer House and moved the occupants out, causing yet more local anger.

Then the county council cabinet member responsible for the project resigned after revelations in the Post.

She inadvertently failed to declare her husband’s involvement with companies on a council ‘preferred’ list of developers able to provide extra-care accommodation in Hampshire.

The council also had to make £45m available as it couldn’t find a developer to take on the project until it partnered with Housing 21 – one Petersfield campaigner said that would have paid for a lot of upgrading.

Housing 21 is a leading not-for-profit provider of retirement housing and extra-care for older people of modest means. It manages about 20,000 retirement and extra- care properties in nearly 200 council areas.