RESIDENTS in Redhouse could soon see new shops being built in the village centre, along with a Learning Disability Care Unit.

Following a public consultation in November, an application has been put to the council for consideration.

If successful, there are hopes it will help to further build a sense of community within the area.

As it stands, the land is empty, but it has been set aside for building community assets. The application has been put forward by PM Asset Management.

The Learning Disability Care Unit would provide accommodation for young adults with special needs living in the local vicinity.

When completed, there would be 12 en suite rooms in a three-storey building, with care provided round the clock. It would also have a communal kitchen and laundry space as well as staff living quarters.

There will be three retail units in total, with the main one likely to be marketed to tenants as a grocery store due to refrigeration space. The public consultation results showed a desire for more communal facilities, so the second two units are more likely to be coffee shops.

To cope with the extra traffic, there would also be a 48-space car park built on the site.

Some residents have welcomed the plans but have some guarded caution.

Terry Custance, chairman of the Redhouse Resident’s Association, said: “On the whole I think it will be good for the area.

“The learning unit especially will be great for everyone and a good chance to integrate and really improve spirit.

“If the shops are right for the area then hopefully they will add to it. We asked the residents and the only thing that really came back was ‘no betting shops’.”

Terry’s main concern is that the units will not be filled, as there are already a number of empty units in the village.

When Redhouse was first built a pub was promised but developers Crest said it had difficulty finding a brewer to take a place, so it is hoped one of the new units could help to provide a communal facility of some sort.

He said: “I’m not sure if this is the exact location that was set aside for the pub but while I’ve not given up on having one, I’m not holding my breath. If there is a cafe or something similar then it is a great opportunity to help improve the community spirit.

“Hopefully if businesses see the shops being filled then it will attract others to the area in a domino effect.

“If it is done correctly then it could be a big boost to Redhouse.”