Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 18 July 2023
BLABY District Council have supported a new specialist housing scheme for adults with mental health needs.
The district council, alongside Homes England, have helped to partially grant-fund the scheme which will bring a total of 15 new one-bed self-contained apartments to the village.
The project is being delivered by housing developers Pelham, in partnership with Norton Housing and Support, and Modus Partnerships.
In a statement seen by the Hinckley Free Press, a district council spokesperson had described it as “the first affordable housing scheme in the borough for some time”, adding it would help meet the demand which has been recognised by the authority.
The scheme has been in the works for four years, with the council’s strategic housing team work closely with partners to help it progress, such as providing evidence of the need for it, and liaising with planners to ensure potential constraints were overcome.
The site, off Grove Road in Blaby, will mark Norton’s first purpose-built development scheme, with Pelham supporting them as development agents.
The homes are expected to be completed by next Spring, and will offer residents an enhanced housing management support service, and will enable independent living for people in need.
Councillor Terry Richardson, Leader of Blaby District Council, said: “This is a fantastic example of partners working together to deliver a project which we hope will change the lives of people in the District.
“We have recognised for some time there was a lack of supported accommodation for adults with mental health needs. These apartments should help bridge that gap and we are pleased to have been instrumental in ensuring the development gets off the ground.”
The apartments will be let at social rent and owned and managed by Norton Housing and Support. The Leicestershire-based charity and registered housing association supports adults with mental health needs and women at risk of homelessness.
The site, off Grove Road in Blaby, is Norton Housing and Support’s first purpose-built development scheme. Pelham are working with them as development agents to support this small housing association bring their home-building ambitions to life.
The new self-contained homes will offer residents an enhanced housing management support service, to enable independent living for people in need.
Coun. Les Phillimore, the Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community, Housing and Environmental Services, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this new housing project which will provide much-needed, supported accommodation for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“The scheme is a fantastic example of organisations working in partnership to deliver first-class facilities for our communities. We all look forward to seeing the accommodation completed, welcoming the new residents and to seeing them thrive on their journey to independent living.”
Sue Cowling, Chief Executive at Norton Housing and Support said: “While Norton has been supporting people with mental health needs in the Leicester and Leicestershire area for over 38 years, this will be our first new build scheme and first development of this size.”