• Huge demand for new Leicestershire Extra Care homes

Huge demand for new Leicestershire Extra Care homes

"We knew there would be a high level of interest from local people in this scheme, but the numbers are still surprising."

Jim Patman, emh group Development Director

oak-court-artist-impression

A new extra care development in Blaby, Leicestershire, has received over 100 applications for its 50 homes two months before it is due to complete.

Oak Court is being developed by emh group, the Leicestershire-based social housing and care provider, and local builder Westleigh Developments in partnership with Leicestershire County Council and Blaby District Council at a cost of £7.8m.

The new homes are due to be completed in March, with the first residents moving in soon after.

The extra care scheme is intended for people aged 55 and over who need at least three-and-a-half hours of care and support each week, enabling them to live independently within their community. Oak Court will also offer a library, a cinema and games room, an arts and craft room, a laundry room, a hairdresser’s, and communal gardens. A shop and a café on the site will be open to the general public, as will a wide range of community events.

The homes are much-needed in the area as shown by the fact that over half the applicants have a strong local connection to the Blaby area.

Jim Patman, emh group Development Director, said: “We knew there would be a high level of interest from local people in this scheme, a view shared by both Leicestershire County Council and Blaby District Council, but these numbers are still surprising. It just shows that there is a huge demand for this type of home in the local area and the county beyond, and we are delighted to be delivering them in partnership with Westleigh and the councils. Good quality accommodation with appropriate support is important in maintaining people’s well-being and quality of life.”