New Extra Care Scheme to Go Before Planners

Plans for a 96-home Extra Care scheme development in South Tyneside have been unveiled at a public consultation event, collecting feedback from the local community ahead of plans being submitted later this month.

The site of the former Lincoln Court Extra Care scheme in Hebburn Town Centre is the proposed site for the first of three developments which are being delivered as a partnership project between South Tyneside Council and northern housing association Karbon Homes.

Combined, the schemes would deliver 250-300 new homes, helping address the lack of specialist affordable accommodation options in the borough that help people with care and support needs to live well and independently.

The consultation, which gave local residents and stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the plans both in-person at an event at Hebburn Central and online, received an overwhelmingly positive response.

Councillor Anne Hetherington, Lead Member for Adults, Health and Independence, said: "We know from feedback that most people want to live well and independently, for as long as possible, rather than having to go into residential care.

"In line with our Vision to enable people to live a happy, healthy and fulfilled life, these new housing developments will support people's independence and enable them to live a better life in the neighbourhoods and communities they call home."

The schemes form part of the Council's wider Adult Social Care Accommodation Strategy aimed at supporting people who may need care and support to live independently in the community. This is in line with the Council's ambition to help people stay well and healthy throughout their lives.

Lea Smith, Development Manager at Karbon Homes, said: "We're looking forward to working with South Tyneside Council on this exciting new Extra Care scheme. Our vision for these schemes is to create strong and sustainable places that help empower people with additional care and support needs to live life to the full, and bring the local community together.

"There was a positive response to the recent public consultation, both online and in-person. We had some encouraging conversations with local residents who came to the event at Hebburn Central. Their insight into the area and thoughts on the plans were really valuable and the feedback we received will be used to develop these plans before they are submitted for planning permission."

The cutting edge scheme would consist of 20 two-bed apartments and 75 one-bed apartments, providing housing and care to residents of varying ages over 18 with additional support needs. The plans also include 17 apartments designed for people with dementia.

Tyne and Wear-based architects JDDK have designed the scheme to encourage community cohesion. With a bistro café, which would be open to the general public, and multi-use spaces for activities, the scheme has community at its heart.

Councillor Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, added: "I'm pleased to hear there was positive feedback to this scheme which will play an important role in meeting the demand for this type of specialist accommodation.

"These quality homes will empower people with care needs to live better lives  while also bringing the local community together, which has to be a win-win all round."