Development of Independent Living homes In Hunstanton reaches highest point
Norfolk County Council celebrated a major milestone in the development of 61 brand-new independent living apartments for people aged 55 and over in Hunstanton on Tuesday 2 September.
Places for People, the leading social enterprise which owns or manages more than 245,000 homes across the UK, celebrated the development alongside its partners with a traditional 'topping-out' ceremony - held to mark the construction reaching its highest point.
Attendees included Councillor Thomas and Councillor Jamieson from Norfolk County Council, Cllr Rust from King's Lynn and West Norfolk Council, Teresa Snaith, Business Development Director of Lovell Later Living, Deepesh Patel, Executive Director of Radis Community Care and Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director of Lovell Partnerships.
Norfolk County Council has provided £2.9m capital funding to support the scheme as part of its Independent Living programme with Homes England providing an additional £5.7m in grant funding.
The development of this new community designed by Langtry Langton Architects, developed by Lovell Later Living and contractor Lovell Partnerships. The Radis Community Care team will provide on-site care and support 24/7 at Lavender View, enabling individuals to remain independent in a home of their choice.
The 61 one and two bedroom affordable-rent apartments will be complete by the end of summer 2026. It has aptly been named Lavender View after the rich and vibrant lavender fields established since 1932 and located three miles south of Hunstanton.
The new community is being developed in the Hunstanton area of Norfolk and will bring much-needed independent living accommodation to people over 55 living here.
Cllr Alison Thomas, cabinet member for Adult's Services at Norfolk County Council, said: "This topping out ceremony marks an exciting moment for Hunstanton as we move another step closer to providing residents with an accessible, safe new home in a vibrant community as they age.
"Norfolk County Council remain committed to investing in schemes just like Lavender View that prioritise independence, but with the added peace of mind of on-site care and support when they need it."
Neil McKay, Head of Commercial. Quality and Growth at Places for People, said: "Tackling the housing crisis means providing homes that meet everyone's needs. Lavender View is a vital development, offering people the right environment to live happy, independent lives. We are delighted to see progress on site and look forward to welcoming the first residents next year."
"Lavender View will also offer residents an onsite café, an activity room for healthy and positive living, impressive communal areas including a main lounge and landscaped gardens, on-site hairdressing, a spa room, mobility scooter storage and on-site parking for residents and their visitors. Lavender View is due for completion in late summer 2026."
Kate Collins, Senior Manager for Provider Management at Homes England, said: "Increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting stakeholders of all sizes to achieve their ambitions.
"Lavender View is a prime example of how we work collaboratively with partners like Places for People to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home."
