New housing options approved for Sleaford

The development would include 40 Extra Care housing apartments and 12 community supported living units for working age adults with social care needs, satisfying anticipated demand in the North Kesteven district.

Following previous agreement of Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive to commission and invest in the project, the District Council’s Full Council unanimously agreed on Tuesday to invest in and develop the £9m scheme which, subject to further work and planning consideration, could begin next year and be open in 2024.

Once built by NKDC’s development company, the authorities say the development will enable residents to maximise their independence, health and wellbeing.

“With the forecasted increase of older aged people in the county and the desire to support people with care and support needs in their own home, this will provide accommodation for older people who want to remain self-sufficient, but also have the option of on-site care,” said Coun Patricia Bradwell, Executive Councillor for Adult Care.

“The Hoplands site is on land that we no longer use so it makes sense to put it to a good purpose and provide extra housing options for older people. It will be of huge benefit to the local community.

“This is great news for Sleaford and the surrounding area, giving new and improved housing options for our ageing population. It also means we can reinvest in preventative services, stopping people from becoming ill, whilst promoting wellbeing and independence.”

There is also room for further housing to meet broader community need in time.

Coun Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council said that after exploring for a number of years, with a series of partners, opportunities to develop Extra Care Housing within the District, the two councils were now in a position to progress a major project that would achieve multiple benefits. He added: “In line with our priority focus to provide sustainable housing options that meet the current and emerging needs of our communities, this project will open up choice; enabling people to remain independent in a home of their own, stay connected to their local community and be supported by their social networks as they get older.

“There is still some way to go in bringing the project to fulfilment, not least with a planning application and bid for support funding, but it is one that we are very enthusiastic about in responding to identified need and moving towards our long-term aims and ambitions for life in North Kesteven.

“We are grateful to the county council for its commitment, showing that in partnership we are well placed as councils to respond to local need and provide a level of excellence, care and provision that supports our residents and communities, promotes their wellbeing and respects their independence.”

The county council has designated £2.56m to the Hoplands scheme due to start construction in summer 2022. The development will include 40 Extra Care housing apartments and 12 community supported living units for working aged adults with social care needs, to meet expected demand in the North Kesteven district.

The scheme will provide an accommodation choice enabling people to remain independent in a home of their own where they can stay connected to their local community and be supported by their social networks as they get older.

The county council is investing nearly £12m towards Extra Care housing in the county and will work in partnership with district councils and housing associations.