Council proposes 3m investment in to support Independent Living in Hunstanton

More people on Norfolk's coast could be supported to live independently, as Norfolk County Council's Cabinet proposes £3m of investment to develop 61 new homes for those over 55.

The council is proposing to work with Places for People to develop the Independent Living scheme, in Hunstanton, providing affordable housing options with care and support available on site.

Cllr Alison Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Norfolk County Council, said: "We're investing £29m in schemes like the one proposed at Hunstanton, because people tell us they want to be able to live in their own homes for as long as possible.

"Independent Living gives people the freedom of having their own home, combined with the peace of mind of having care and support on site.

"This kind of housing can help give people the support they need to stay healthier for longer, preventing them from needing to move into a care home as they get older, and helping them to continue living in their communities."

Increasing provision of independent Living to match future demand will also deliver about £6m in savings to the council each year.  

The project will be discussed by Norfolk County Council's Cabinet, when it meets on Monday 7 August.

It already has planning permission and, if funding is approved, will be managed by Places for People Living Plus, a not-for-profit Registered Social Landlord. The scheme will be developed by Lovell Later Living.

Norfolk County Council has already agreed funding for three other schemes in Fakenham, Acle and Harleston.  Meadow Walk, in Fakenham and Swallowtail Place, in Acle have already opened and work on the Harleston scheme is due to start later this year.

Cllr Andrew Jamieson, county councillor for Hunstanton, said: "We have worked hard on both developing this scheme and making room in the capital programme to ensure it can go ahead. Assuming Cabinet approves the scheme it will be a welcome addition to the area, providing housing that can support people to stay within west Norfolk, in the community that they know.

"The scheme is an ideal location for Independent Living, as it is located close to many amenities including Hunstanton GP Surgery and the local high street. Those living within west Norfolk, or with family in the district, will be given priority too, so these really are local homes for local people."

The development, in King's Lynn Road, will be made up of 11 two-bed and 50 one-bed apartments.

The Independent Living scheme is part of a wider complex including, 39 'care ready' bungalows, which will benefit from the care and communal facilities available at the scheme.

Cabinet will discuss this report when it meets at 10am on Monday, 7 August.