A developer has submitted plans for 137 retirement homes on the seafront.

The proposals, put to Eastbourne Borough Council by the developer Untold Living, are for blocks of flats for people ages 75 and over at Eastbourne’s Sovereign Harbour.

Residents of the flats will be provided with round-the-clock care.

Untold Living bought the two-and-a-half acre site which it plans to build the homes on in November.

If approved, the plans will see a range of one and two-bedroom apartments built.

The flats will overlook the English Channel and the development will include green spaces, some of which can be used by the public.

Russell Jewell, chief executive of Untold Living, said: “The urgent need for more purpose-built later living accommodation in the UK cannot be overstated, particularly in East Sussex, where the population of over-70s is growing more quickly than the national average. 

“Many thousands of older people are living in accommodation that is wholly unsuitable to their needs, which poses a serious risk to their mental and physical wellbeing. 

“Our Eastbourne scheme will not only offer round-the-clock care and support to residents when needed but also relieve pressure on local health and social services by lowering the frequency of residents’ hospital and GP visits.

“We are grateful to the people of Eastbourne for all of the valuable feedback we have received so far and look forward to announcing further details in due course.”

Untold Living launched a consultation and invited nearby residents, the council and anyone else who wanted to attend to get feedback on the proposals.

The scheme was designed by architects Gaunt Francis.

Homes will be available across a range of different tenures, including to buy, for rent and purchase via shared ownership. 

The Eastbourne scheme is the latest addition to Untold Living’s portfolio alongside sites in Crawley and Newport, Shropshire. 

The developer said it plans to contribute to the 50,000 new purpose-built homes required for older people in the UK each year.