Major plans to redevelop a former specialist residence for blind and partially sighted people in Roehampton have been submitted.

Planning consultants Quod and housing provider Optivo wants to knock down Alton Road’s Pocklington Court and build 95 new homes on the site, with 41 of them specifically for older people.

The proposals, put forward on February 19, include 100 percent ‘affordable’ housing after its former owners Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) vacated the residence’s tenants.

Neill Tickle, Optivo’s land and new business director, said: “This planned development will not only reinvigorate an underused brownfield site but also to meet two specific housing needs which have been identified by the local authority: affordable homes and extra care accommodation.

“Our proposals include 54 properties for London Living Rent or shared ownership, giving Wandsworth residents the opportunity to get their foot on the property ladder in the borough.

“A further 41 properties will be built specifically for older people. Designed to be fully accessible and equipped with the latest assistive technology, the scheme offers the opportunity for independent living with added support if needed.

“Each element of the project has been carefully thought through and, by working with the local authority, we have created a design that will effectively meet the changing needs of the borough’s diverse range of residents.”

If approved then work is expected to begin this summer and finish around the same time in 2020.

The residence is currently unoccupied after its former residents were relocated to elsewhere within Wandsworth or neighbouring Richmond.

It used to house around 48 blind and partially sighted tenants before they were made to move when TPT stopped offering supported housing.

A spokesman told Wandsworth Guardian, in March 2016, that the decision came after a ‘comprehensive assessment’ of tenants’ needs, finding the majority either didn’t require specialist assisted living services in Pocklington Court or their needs went ‘beyond what is currently being delivered’.

Simon Curtis, Thomas Pocklington Trust’s head of property, said: “Our housing centre at Pocklington Court, built in the 1960s, was closed last year with all the tenants being supported to move to alternative accommodation.

“We have been in discussions with Optivo about the future of the site and were aware that they would be making a planning application.”

The 41 ‘extra care affordable homes’ will be for people aged 55 and above where residents will receive a care package of around 10 hours per week.

Meanwhile the ‘intermediate affordable homes’ will can be purchased after 10 years on the shared ownership scheme and staircase out to 100 percent.

Gross rent for a one-bedroom apartment would cost £910 per month, a two-room home would cost £1,152, and three-bedroom apartments come in at £1,319, according to calculated figures detailed in the planning statement.

Proposed amenities include a pampering bathroom, buggy store, laundry or sluice room and communal lounge with food preparation area.

It is currently unknown when a decision will be made on the plans but so far two objections have been submitted.