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Pensioners to benefit from new scheme
BASINGSTOKE pensioners will receive extra care through a flagship scheme thanks to a £3.1million cash boost.
The Department of Health has allocated funding for an "extra care" project to build an independent living facility for older people, with a 24-hour care team on-site and communal facilities.
The scheme - the first of its kind in Hampshire - is being planned for the former Beech Down Primary School site in Brighton Hill and will consist of 64 one and two-bedroomed affordable sheltered housing apartments, as well as a restaurant, lounge, hairdressing facilities and a guest suite.
It would also act as a day centre and health clinic for older residents in the community.
Cathy Osselton, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Cabinet member for housing and health, said: "Extra care offers a modern alternative to sheltered housing or residential care. I'm delighted that the county council is working closely with us on this and has chosen our area to pilot this flagship scheme, supplying the land and some funding."
She added that the scheme will help to alleviate the waiting list of older people in need of sheltered housing and allow people with increasing care needs to stay in their own homes for longer.
The project - which will cost £11.8million - is being put forward through a partnership between Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Hampshire County Council and housing association Saxon Weald, which is contributing £7million to the development.
An outline planning application is due to be submitted by the end of the month.
1:23pm Wednesday 23rd July 2008
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