A retirement home in Saffron Walden described as not meeting “modern standards” could be demolished and rebuilt, according to new plans.

An application to demolish Parkside Retirement Living Flats, which borders the historic Audley End manor house, and build 24 new flats in its place was validated by Uttlesford District Council on August 30.

According to a design and access statement, the council itself is the applicant, and the plans have been drawn up by Saunders Boston Architects.

A section read: “The proposal is to replace the existing accommodation occupying the site that does meet the modern standards that Uttlesford District Council expects for its tenants.”

A later section read: “The aim of the proposed scheme is to provide a quality development to meet the needs of retirement housing in Saffron Walden for both present and future occupiers.

“The scheme relates to the area surrounding the site, which will result in an enhanced environment to that which currently exists. The proposals incorporate appropriate provision for access, parking and a mix of accommodation.”

The retirement home is currently operated by the council and was built in the 1970s, according to the statement.

It currently consists of 18 one and two-bed flats in a horseshoe arrangement in Abbey Lane, and has only seven parking spaces.

The statement continues to say the age and layout of the existing building means it cannot be redeveloped without starting from scratch.

The replacement scheme will increase the number of flats to 24, along with 24 parking spaces.

According to the application, there will also be new communal gardens, new bin storage, and changes to vehicle access to the site from Abbey Lane.

The current building is two storeys high, however according to the statement the wing of the new development which would run parallel to Audley End estate would be three storeys, if approved by the planning committee.

Audley End House and Gardens is a historic 17th century manor house, and the wall to the estate acts as the western boundary to the site.

The wall is to be protected during any works to the site and further discussions will take place with the Counties Archaeological Team, according to the statement.