Building work has begun on a multi-million pound development which will see the creation of 62 apartments and 10 bungalows in Welton, for over 55s, including people with care and support needs.
Funded by Lincolnshire County Council, Homes England and West Lindsey District Council, the scheme will offer accommodation which is affordable and suitable for older people, the latest project from voluntary, non-profit-making, LACE Housing Association.
Councillor Wendy Bowkett, Lincolnshire County Council’s executive councillor for adult care and public health, said: “This development will provide essential alternative accommodation choice for older people in the West Lindsey district. Extra care is about maximising independence and improving wellbeing for our older residents. We need to respond to the developing care needs of our residents as they age, giving them further choice and control in key aspects of their life such as where they live and the type of support package they receive.
“Extra care housing allows people to access services in their communities, closer to home, reducing moves into inappropriate residential care and inpatient admissions. And residents in extra care have opportunities to develop skills and knowledge and build their confidence which will enhance their quality of life. I look forward to seeing this scheme progress so that we can welcome residents who need this kind of support into their new homes.”
Nick Chambers, CEO of LACE Housing, said: “Following a survey undertaken by the parish council, the neighbourhood plan identified the need for facilities within the village that were both affordable and supported the health and wellbeing of older people within the community.
“LACE has been helping to meet the housing and support needs of older people in Lincolnshire since 1964 and we’re very excited to be delivering these in partnership with the county council, Homes England and the district council.”
The 10 bungalows will be available on a shared-ownership basis and are perfectly suited to residents who value independent living whilst accessing the neighbouring facilities. Potential buyers do not need a care plan in place to be eligible to apply and the shared-ownership properties will become available to buy, with LACE Housing retaining a percentage of the ownership.
The 62 one-bedroom apartments will be part of LACE Housing’s extra-care scheme. These are designed for people over the age of 55 who value independent living but require care and support based upon an assessed need.
Commissioned by Lincolnshire County Council, there will be a care provider on site to assist residents with their needs, where a care plan has been agreed. LACE Housing support staff will also be available on the site to assist residents, encourage social activities and monitor repairs and maintenance work.
Jason Wilson, Senior Project Manager at RG Carter, main local contractor for the scheme, said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with LACE Housing, Lincolnshire County Council and West Lindsey District Council to build this new extra care assisted living housing scheme.
“The councils’ commitment to creating this much needed development has been evident since planning, and we look forward to working together to deliver a quality facility, enabling residents to live independently and safely within their local community.”
The new apartments to rent, and bungalows to buy through shared ownership, will be available in Winter 2024.
To find out more, please visit www.lacehousing.org for information.