A disused boatyard could be redeveloped into a retirement complex with almost 100 homes.

The former Petticrows Boatyard at The Quay, in Burnham-on-Crouch, has been earmarked by developers McLaren Group for a brand new retirement community in the town.

The development of 98 apartments for people aged 55 and over will also contain a host of shops and services.

A McLaren Group spokesman said: “Burnham is a beautiful village that has everything to support the needs of those over 55 in age, from a matinee performance at the local cinema to restaurants, shops and a doctor’s surgery.

“The scheme will incorporate a roof terrace that takes full advantage of the views over the river and the Dengie Peninsula.

“The design incorporates a beauty salon, restaurant and cinema room.”

The land has been vacant for more than a year since previous occupant Petticrows moved from the site to its new boatyard in Marsh Road.

Although no planning application has been put forward by the developer at this stage, the developer hopes the complex – initially named after the former boatyard – will be completed by 2022.

Ian Beatwell, boss of consultants the Landmark Planning Group, said the proposals were in their very early stages.

He said: “We are engaging with members of the community and the councils in Burnham and Maldon to gain thoughts from various parties.

“At the point, it is just a development of a brownfield site which we think will be a good thing in the eyes of the council and the community.”

But Kate Tavinor, part of the family who own Petticrows, is unhappy with the initial name that has been given to the development.

She said: “We have no connection to the development. I am a bit annoyed by the fact they have used our name for the plan.

“We used to be located in a building by the field where it is going to be built.

“We knew the owners were selling the land for development.

“Obviously we were not going to be able to remain there, so we moved to our new premises.”

Mr Beatwell told the Maldon and Burnham Standard that the name – Petticrows Boatyard – is not set in stone.

He said: “I do not think a name has been set upon yet.

“Petticrows Boatyard is not necessarily what the name will be.

“It has not been fixed and we will be consulting with everyone including the previous business about this.

“It is fairly premature to think it will be x or y.

“I hope the residents are aware of the plans but at this stage it is still very early.”