City planners approve developments for new supported accommodation

The proposed development of two new schemes to provide accommodation for people with learning disabilities in Newcastle upon Tyne has been granted.

The Fossway development in Walkergate and Napier Street in Shieldfield will deliver much needed, high quality accommodation including market leading design features that will provide the best environment and conditions for people that can often have high support needs.

Both schemes will be developed by community regeneration specialists Frank Haslam Milan (FHM) North East and Your Homes Newcastle (YHN). 

The schemes, whilst providing support, will enable tenants to establish and maintain their maximum level of independence within the community.

Leazes Homes, the charitable subsidiary of Your Homes Newcastle, will own the self-contained properties which will each include its own kitchen, living room and bedrooms. 

In addition, there will be facilities on site to encourage interaction between YHN tenants and facilitate the delivery of flexible care and support services.  YHN, which will manage the properties, will also provide CCTV monitoring and a 24 hour responsive call out service.

The developments will be built using a timber frame construction to provide high levels of insulation to improve energy consumption and reduce carbon footprint.  They are also expected to be awarded ‘very good’ for their environmental performance and sustainable design.

Bill Midgley, Chair of Leazes Homes, said, “The development will not only help to alleviate the demand for housing among people with learning disabilities, but also enable residents to live their lives in comfort. The scheme will create jobs for local people and in the long term it will transform an area that has been derelict and unattractive for a long time.”

David Mellor, Managing Director of FHM North East, said: “There is a lack of good quality accommodation that is suitable for people with learning disabilities in the city. These two new developments will provide safe and secure environments within the community and I am pleased that planners have given approval to develop them.”

Work has already commenced on the Fossway development and Napier Street is expected to start on site in November 2010.