A RESIDENTIAL complex aimed at coping with the county's ageing population could be built near Hereford.

Up to 80 one, two and three-bed apartments are earmarked for the proposed development in Withington, likely to cater for the over 60s.

Known as extra care housing, the idea is the brainchild of developer Phil Collins who says the county can't ignore Herefordshire's demographics.

"I'm lucky to be fairly fit and healthy, but it makes you think that some people aren't as fit as others," said Mr Collins, of applicant Whitestone Properties.

"The statistics are quite scary really. We're all living longer. In the next 15 years the number of over 65s in Herefordshire is set to increase by 41 per cent.

"Living in a community like this gives people a better sense of wellbeing and of community spirit.

"We suspect there will be a strong demand for it."

Mr Collins said the scheme would help reduce social isolation and free-up existing under-occupied family housing, as well as reducing the burden of property and garden maintenance.

He said the Rose Garden retirement village on Ledbury Road in Hereford is the only similar scheme in the area, and this has a waiting list of more than 200.

Alongside the apartments, indoor and outdoor facilities such as a swimming pool, gym, sauna, cafe, hair salon, medical and treatment rooms are planned, together with allotments and putting greens.

It is on land close to Whitestone Business Park.

The scheme would offer care packages should residents wish to take them on.

"We would see the residents buying the property outright and then perhaps a care package," said Mr Collins.

It is expected that residents will take up some element of care, which can range from having their apartment cleaned through to full-on medical care.

The scheme is the subject of an outline planning application which has been submitted to Herefordshire Council.