PLANS to build ten bungalows on land in Liversedge have been drawn up by developers looking to create retirement homes for independent living.

Johnnie Johnson Housing Association, which is based in Cheshire, has submitted the plans for land off Sixth Avenue.

The organisation is a not-for-profit housing association which aims to offer high quality homes for independent living.

It provides housing and services for older people and has in its portfolio purpose-built retirement properties available for rent, shared ownership and leasehold.

The plans themselves are for three one-bedroom bungalows and seven two-bed bungalows. The scheme also includes an access road, car parking and landscaping.

A design and access statement accompanying the plans states that the site is located close to Hartshead Moor Services on the M62 and is surrounded mainly by residential development.

A previous planning application for 12 two storey homes by Kirklees Council Strategic Housing Services on the site was turned down in 2010.

This was due to insufficient visibility splays and typology.

The new scheme states: "The bungalows are of quality affordable design and are to be built with red brick to match the surrounding materiality.

"Bungalows to the frontage of the site are semi-detached and the direction of the roof pitch has been rotated on one block to create a focal unit at the entrance of the development.

"The bungalows are all one storey to will have no detrimental impact on the surrounding two storey properties."

It adds: "The design of the properties is in keeping with the local architecture. Dark grey UPVC windows and downpipes will retain a traditional feel for the dwellings and scheme as a whole.

"The houses will all be built from locally sourced materials and car charging facilities will be provided."

The design and access statement, prepared by Watson Batty Architects, concludes: "The development is small in nature with ten bungalows and these will be subservient to the surrounding buildings.

"The properties once built will help contribute tot he Council's target for providing affordable housing."

A decision is expected by Kirklees Council planners in February, with local residents having until December 8 to have their say.

The 2010 application for the site was also intended to provide affordable housing.

It describes how an assessment dating back to 2008 highlighted a shortfall of 1,540 homes a year for households unable to purchase their own homes in the "lowest cost sector of the housing market".

In order to meet this need, it states, Kirklees Council and its partners developed 204 affordable new homes in 2008/9.

The Sixth Avenue site was to have provided an additional 12 new family homes towards that shortfall.

In the Cleckheaton and Liversedge area at the time the demand was said to be for 139 affordable homes a year.