Plans to build 211 supported housing apartments at the heart of Seaham Garden Village have taken a step forward, with an application now submitted for approval.
Marking another phase in the 78-hectare garden village development, the specialist accommodation will include an extra care scheme and two supported housing apartment blocks for over 55s.
A mix of affordable family homes and flats are already under construction on the 750-home site where Esh Construction is the lead contractor working in partnership with Karbon Homes.
Chris Hale, Pre-Construction Director at Esh Construction, said: “With more than 200 new affordable homes now under construction at Seaham Garden Village, behind the scenes, we are working closely with project partners to bring forward the next phase of development.
“The submission of plans for the extra care and over-55s apartments marks a significant milestone in the wider scheme. It’s an important step towards delivering more supported housing within communities, through inclusive developments that support inter-generational living.”
The latest plans unveiled include a four-storey, high specification extra care building which will be laid out around a central and secure private courtyard area. Residents will benefit from appropriate on-site facilities as well as a private communal lounge and rooftop terrace with sea views. Three of the extra care apartments will be suitable for bariatric care and 18 designed for those living with dementia.
The scheme will also include a café, hairdressing and treatment rooms, and multi-use spaces for activities, all of which will be open to residents living in the neighbouring apartment blocks.
Sarah Robson, Executive Director of Development and Asset Management at Karbon Homes, said: “This is an exciting next step in our development of new affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village, bringing a selection of high-quality apartments that empower people with varying levels of care and support needs to live life to the full.
“Paired with existing phases of family homes and flats, this phase shows our commitment to building a mixed community and ensuring Seaham Garden Village offers something for everyone.”
The 211 supported housing apartments will be connected to the garden village’s new ultra-low carbon mine water heating network, an initiative from Durham County Council, the Mining Remediation Authority and Karbon Homes, being delivered by Vital Energi.
1,500 homes will be built on the site in total, alongside a commercial centre with a shop, a health and well-being hub and a new school. Planning for the school was recently approved by Durham County Council, with construction set to start shortly.
The delivery of Seaham Garden Village is being supported by funding from Homes England, through Karbon’s Strategic Partnership with the government’s housing delivery agency. Alongside the affordable homes, 750 homes are being developed by national housebuilders Taylor Wimpey and Miller Homes for outright sale.
With more than 200 new affordable homes now under construction at Seaham Garden Village, behind the scenes, we are working closely with project partners to bring forward the next phase of development.
“It’s an important step towards delivering more supported housing within communities, through inclusive developments that support inter-generational living.”
