NEW flats for older people on Felixstowe’s clifftops will be eight and nine storeys high.

But the developers McCarthy & Stone say the two linked buildings will be lower in height than the previously approved plans for 37 luxury apartments on the site at the junction of Cambridge Road and Hamilton Gardens.

Architects the Planning Bureau say the scheme for 46 ‘later living’ flats – which will have an iconic contemporary design very similar to the approved scheme which was applauded by English Heritage – will not have underground car parking, and be set back from Brownlow Road to create a more open area.

The flats will be for people aged over 60 and McCarthy & Stone say the average age of those buying such properties is 78.

Chris Styles, who with fellow architect Janet Gardener designed the scheme, said the taller of the two buildings would be next to Cliff House and the lower closer to Harvest House.

He said: “The design is very much in keeping with the previously approved plans from a different developer, but internal design changes mean there will be more storeys in a building which will not be as tall.”

The scheme will only have 46 parking spaces – one per flat – but this is not expected to create extra on-street parking.

Mr Styles said: “Most people at the ‘later living’ stage of life will only have one car, some may not have a car at all or would give up that vehicle within a few years of moving in.”

McCarthy & Stone describe the “later living” apartments as homes where people in later life can retain their independence, close to their family and friends, in a home suited specifically for their needs, in a safe and enjoyable environment.

There will be community activities within the scheme, but people do not have to participate.

People were able to give their views on the development at an exhibition in the Courtroom Gallery at Felixstowe Town Hall, and once the comments have been analysed the formal plans will be drawn up and submitted.

If no new issues come forward, this would be within a couple of months.