Ambitious plans have been revealed today for an £8m "Veteran's Village" between Hull and Cottingham.

If given the go-ahead, the project would see 58 modular-build properties being constructed along with a new horticultural therapy centre to help ex-military personnel adapt to life after service in the armed forces.

The single-storey homes are expected to provide temporary accommodation.

A new veteran village could be built in Hull
A new veteran village could be built in Hull

Being billed as the first of its kind in the world, the scheme is being jointly spearheaded by Hull City Council and the Hull-based charity Hull 4 Heroes.

Under the plans, a new headquarters for the charity would also feature in the new development.

Two sites have been earmarked in the proposals on land in Priory Road and Coronation Road North. Both sites are owned by the city council but straddle the border with East Riding.

The new housing, therapy centre and charity headquarters would be based at Coronation Road South, while a visitors centre, including a coffee shop and retail outlet selling garden produce grown by ex-servicemen and women living at the site, would be built at Priory Road.

Deputy council leader Councillor Daren Hale said: "We are proud to support this ground-breaking project and it further illustrates our commitment to veterans in the city.

This is a plan of what the veteran village could look like
This is a plan of what the veteran village could look like

"We envisage this to be a true Veteran's Village which will support many veterans to integrate back into the community enabling them to access advice, accommodation and employment opportunities to have a bright and successful future."

Registered as a charity two years ago, Hull 4 Heroes is the brainchild of founder and former soldier Paul Matson.

He was initially inspired to set up the charity after volunteering to take part in a special edition of the TV show DIY SOS, which involved creating a Veteran's Street in Manchester by renovating derelict properties.

The charity has so far helped over 50 ex-servicemen and women through various projects, including support in providing one-room and full property refurbishments.

The garden looked fabulous
Hull 4 Heroes madeover a home for a veteran with DIY SOS

Mr Matson said: "Myself and the team have been overwhelmed by the support received to date from officers and councillors from both Hull City Council and the East Riding.

"The charity already has a wide network of support from local businesses and more importantly from the lovely and generous people of Hull and the surrounding area.

"As a community we are all connected in some way to the armed forces, whether this be a son or daughter, brother or sister, aunt or uncle, parent, grandparent or neighbour.

"Hull 4 Heroes has a great team of local and dedicated volunteers along with a passionate project team of professionals who are excited about engaging with the local residents to create a legacy that Hull 4 Heroes, the local community and the people of Hull can be proud of."

The Coronation Road North site was previously occupied by an education centre which was demolished after being damaged during the 2007 floods.

Paul spoke about how he was inspired to set up Hull 4 Heroes
Paul Matson

As part of the scheme. the city council says it aims to protect and enhance the existing meadows and orchards at Priory Road which currently form an open green belt of land between Hull and Cottingham.

Plans for the new development will be on public display at a drop-in session on Tuesday, February 20, between 10am and 5pm,at the Abbey Hotel in Coronation Road North.

A public meeting will also take place from 6pm on Tuesday, February 27, at the same venue.

Residents and businesses will have the opportunity to give their views at both events ahead of a planning application being submitted later this year.

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