PLANNING permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the Bell Orchard sheltered housing area on Field Close, Westbury.
Owners Selwood Housing expect work to begin this spring on transforming the existing 22 studio flats into 11 one bedroom accessible apartments with 24/7 on site care and support.
Work is expected to finish by the end of the year and it is anticipated that new residents, who will be agreed by Wiltshire Council and Somerset Care, will move into the scheme from January 2016 onwards.
The 19 existing residents have been, or are in the process of being, moved into new accommodation by a dedicated welfare coordinator.
A spokesperson from Selwood Housing said, “Existing sheltered housing in Westbury is increasingly not meeting the needs of a growing and aspirational older population. Wiltshire Council approached Selwood Housing to provide an extra care scheme in the area.
“Residents were informed about the proposal last summer and, after a full consultation period, finding them alternative accommodation remains our key concern. A dedicated welfare coordinator is supporting tenants to find the right home to meet their needs, and Selwood Housing is funding their removal costs.
“Selwood Housing is committed to making sure each move is as stress-free as possible so we are arranging every detail, including moving utility bills etc.”
Lisa Fife, Selwood Housing’s head of independent living said, “We are looking forward to working with our partners at Wiltshire Council and Somerset Care to turn Bell Orchard into an extra care scheme. The project is an exciting opportunity to meet the needs of the existing and future older population of Westbury through various models of support.
“The communal lounge will become a community hub, providing opportunities to bring older people together. This will help prevent social isolation and enable people to live in their own homes for longer.
“Selwood Housing is committed to helping tenants live independently in their own homes. Extra care is a real alternative to residential care – it provides the right living environment and services so tenants can carry on enjoying their independence and living a full life.”
For further information contact Chelsey on 01225 715907 / c.courtenay@selwoodhousing.com, or Georgina on 01225 715913 /g.crawshaw@selwoodhousing.com.
