Southampton City Council’s Planning Service has approved plans for the largest Extra Care Housing scheme in the city — 84 flats at Wimpson Lane in Maybush to be known as Potters Court.
On the same site, there will also be a general needs block of 15 flats. The estimated overall project cost is £22m. The scheme will include 84 homes within a Housing with Care facility, two-thirds of which will be one-bedroom apartments and one-third two-bedroom apartments. The scheme — for eligible city residents with an assessed care need — will also have a communal lounge and guest suite, plus kitchen and dining facility which can be used by others within the wider locality.
The scheme will also provide 15 general needs homes for over-50s, comprising 9 by one-bed and 6 by two-bed apartments. Construction of both parts of the development is expected to be completed in 2019, with First Wessex acting as the council’s development agent.
Cllr Warwick Payne, Cabinet Member for Housing and Adult Care, said: “I am pleased that we are now clear to break ground on the Potters Court scheme for Southampton residents who may need support in their home but want also to remain independent. “With the recent opening of Erskine Court in Lordshill, we’re already making progress in expanding Extra Care Housing in Southampton. Our vision is that more schemes will follow and this promises to be the future of housing for the elderly and vulnerable, and will provide the kind of homes they want and also deserve.”
Southampton’s Extra Care Housing gives tenants freedom and flexibility, with the option for care when desired. Residents live in their own private home for life, with their own front door and can choose to join in social activities or follow their own schedule.
