Planning permission granted for new extra care housing in Devon

Devon County Council has granted planning permission for an £8.2 million extra care housing development.

It will be built on part of an old hospital site in Newton Abbot town centre and will be designed to meet the care needs of people over the age of 55.

The housing, which is being developed in partnership with Teignbridge District Council, Aster Housing Group and Galliford Try Partnerships, will provide 50 self-contained flats and ten of those will be specifically for people with dementia. The site will also offer a communal dining room, lounge and activity rooms, as well as a hair salon, beauty treatment room and gardens.

Importantly, those who live in the housing will have access to an on-site care and support team who will provide care to residents 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Building work is due to start next month with the aim of the first flats being available from autumn of next year.

Councillor Stuart Baker, Devon County Council’s member for social care, said: “Extra care housing is a real alternative to residential care which allows people to live independently for as long as possible. I have been very keen to see much more provision of this model of care.

“We are committed to providing up to 950 units across Devon and have put £10 million into our budget to support schemes.”