Our development in Locks Heath, Hampshire has presented a considerable challenge due to the nature of the site. Abbeyfield's project team have worked closely with the local authority's planning team to ensure the proposals for this new supported sheltered housing scheme were approved for planning in November 2009.
A communal lounge and dining area, buggy store, laundry room and hairdressing and treatment room will encourage independent living in 16 apartments for local older people.
Self contained apartments are being developed and offered at an affordable rent and shared ownership basis with existing residents getting first pick of the new apartments that will be on offer.
The Development Team successfully negotiated a social housing grant from the Homes and Communities Agency enabling the scheme to go ahead. The Abbeyfield Board also approved the scheme in November 2009.
A full tender process was undertaken of local contractors with the winning contractor putting forward a competitive price to build the scheme. Construction works will begin in March 2010 and completion is forecast for the summer of 2011. The first phase is due to complete in late 2010 with the first residents expected to move into their new homes by this Christmas.