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I had an alarming reality check last week. I was going through matters with my management teams and it suddenly dawned on me I am only 7 years away from being eligible to go to one of the over 55’s properties we manage! Now at the risk of being immodest I think I am wearing pretty well and the last thought on my mind when I was planning a move recently was looking for care facilities!
Indeed in the move I have wanted a bachelor pad that I can work and rest and perhaps occasionally entertain in – if you know what I mean!
So are our house builders and planners in touch with reality? Do we need a rethink on the homes being built? Perhaps we should just be biting the bullet and designing homes for life? Do we need blocks for the over 55?
Of course planners are often seen out of step, usually when they won’t agree or allow something that one wants or do allow something one doesn’t! However, given Grant Shapps single minded approach to devolving responsibility to a local level, my fear is growing accusations of corruption or nimbyism because of one vociferous minority or another.
In reality all we need is moderation in all aspects, but unfortunately when property and profit are involved it tends to drive to a higher risk reward factor that makes reasonable action almost impossible.
As I relax in my new flat, staring at the boxes to be unpacked, I can reflect that recently someone did put old man and me in the same sentence – so perhaps the over 55s block might be next on the agenda!
13 Aug 2010 09:23:58