Retirement homes could replace a Morrisons supermarket left empty since 2020.
McCarthy Stone has told North Herts Council it wants to knock down the shop in Princes Mews, Royston and build 32 retirement homes in its place.
According to planning documents unveiled this month, "older persons’ housing has significant social benefits for residents in terms of health and wellbeing which reduces pressure on local healthcare facilities, and for many, can provide companionship in later life".
They add: "Specialised forms of residential accommodation for older persons also have the benefit of freeing up under-occupied family housing in the local area."
The plans feature 29 car parking spaces and communal gardens for residents.
The new building could feature up to three storeys – a similar height to the 2.5-storey supermarket.
It will also feature one retail unit, if the authority grants planning permission for the scheme.
Documents note some of the existing car park will be lost and could "lead to a displacement of cars to the car park on the western side of Princes Mews, however, there is sufficient capacity to absorb this within the proposed development".
McCarthy Stone has said the site is intended for "people looking to maintain their independence and privacy while also having a network of friends and neighbours on the doorstep, with help available should they require it".
Morrisons left Royston in 2020. The closure was met with opposition at the time - with North East Herts MP Sir Oliver Heald describing it as "a sad decision for Royston".
A spokesperson for Royston Town Council said: "The closure will be a great loss for the town. Our first thoughts are with the staff who will be losing their jobs and local residents who rely on the proximity of Morrisons for their shopping.
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"We can only hope that another food retailer will see this as an opportunity to establish their presence in Royston."
Aldi - which is based in Durham Way, Royston - overtook Morrisons two years later to become Great Britain’s fourth-largest supermarket chain.
Morrisons shed 8,800 jobs in the year to October 2023, according to press analysis of company accounts.
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