On Thursday 16th February, members of the public were able to view the plans for a proposed development by Churchill Retirement Living on the site currently occupied by the Caterham Cars showroom and workshop. Residents living close to the site of the proposed development had been invited to the exhibition at the Soper Hall by the Hampshire-based architects, 'Planning Issues'. Representatives of the firm were on hand to answer questions and explain the finer detail of the plans with visitors. The scheme would provide 33 retirement flats for the over 60s, retail units on the site currently occupied by the showroom on the corner of Station Avenue and Stafford Road and 12 car parking spaces. Commenting on the proposed scheme, Chris Windridge, Chairman of the Caterham Community Partnership, said: "The proposed development on the Caterham Cars site would almost certainly result in Caterham Cars leaving town altogether. At a time when the town should be looking at 'Enterprise' and job creation, alongside any housing schemes, this is going absolutely in the wrong direction. Let's keep Caterham Cars in Caterham.

"If Churchill are interested in similar sites, then perhaps the ex Rose & Young site, with a retail ground floor and parking below would solve many issues for the town."

Following the exhibition, Andrew Burgess, Managing Director of Planning Issues, said: "This proposal will bring forward much needed retirement housing in Caterham to address the needs of the ageing population and will also retain employment within the ground floor commercial units. We consider that the plan for a retirement development was well received by many people who attended the exhibition and a full summary of comments will be included as part of the planning application submission."

The planning application is expected to be submitted to Tandridge District Council at the beginning of April. In the meantime, anyone wishing to view and comment on the plans can contact Ellie Smith at Planning Issues on 01425 462144.