A national developer is proposing to build a retirement home on the Brett Works site in Hadleigh.

McCarthy and Stone has acquired an interest in the site and adjacent land, near the town’s High Street, and plans to build retirement living accommodation there, with landscaping and an associated car park.

Brett Works, in Pound Lane, was in the spotlight in 2013 when retail giant Tesco confirmed it would not go ahead with the superstore it planned for the site after its proposal was turned down by Babergh planners following a 15-year battle.

No planning application for the retirement home has been received by Babergh District Council, as the plans are in their preliminary stage.

McCarthy and Stone’s regional managing director Mark Wright said: “We’re keen to develop a scheme which positively contributes to the local community both through the high-quality, attractive design and the increase in local housing choice the development would bring to the area.”

The group has already begun consultations, and is currently offering neighbouring residents and community representatives the opportunity to meet with the project team to discuss the early proposals.

A public exhibition, which will allow the wider local community to give their views on the emerging plans, will take place in the coming weeks, with dates to be confirmed.

“Independent research shows our homeowners shop and spend locally, so this development has the potential to provide a significant boost to traders and Hadleigh’s economy,” Mr Wright added.

The site is within close walking distance to shops and services located along Hadleigh High Street, an amenity which McCarthy and Stone believe is ideal for elderly people. Hadleigh’s population of over-65s is predicted to rise by 76% in the next 20 years, according to the Office of National Statistics.

Consultations on the proposals will take place in the next few weeks.