Green light for third phase of housing project

The next phase of a multi-million pound project to deliver improved independent supported living accommodation across Leeds has been given the go ahead.

Planning permission was granted for a £12.5m extra care scheme to be built in Woodlesford and forms part of Leeds City Council’s housing programme to construct over 1,000 new homes by 2028.

Developed by Home Group, the service on Holmsley Lane will include 62 one and two-bed apartments and a range of amenities for residents and the wider community to enjoy.

Sally Parsons, director of housing and support at Home Group, said: “Home Group has a long history in building supported services and delivering care, and we work hard to ensure the environments we create are designed to maximise independence for those that live in them.

“We want residents to remain active for longer, be less isolated and feel empowered to do the things they love.

“Our services also encourage engagement with the local community, including the creation of shared facilities and amenities that everyone can enjoy.

“This is the third of four sites we’re working with the council to deliver and we’re delighted to be able to provide further specialist housing for people across Leeds.”

The site is being designed to maximise the independence of people requiring on-going care needs, such as those with health conditions and older people, and will include a 24/7 support team.

A café and salon – that will both be open to the public – are being created, encouraging residents to interact with the local community and avoid the risks of social isolation.

The scheme is being delivered as a partnership between Home Group, Leeds City Council and Lovell Later Living.

Planning and design consultancy Barton Willmore provided expert support to secure planning permission for the site.

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council executive member for infrastructure and climate, said: “Securing planning permission is a welcome step towards delivering this vital project that will create 62 new homes in Woodlesford.

“This project is a prime example of how we are working with partner organisations across Leeds to ensure we grow the council’s housing stock and create a thousand new homes by 2028.”

Cllr Fiona Venner, council executive member for adult and children’s social care and health partnerships, said: “The development of Extra Care housing is central to the council’s response to the changing demands for social care.

“With this project delivering 62 new one and two bed apartments, it is an important step to ensuring we can meet the increasing demand for elderly residents to remain at home, whilst ensuring the quality of care remains consistent.”

Paula Broadbent, managing director of Lovell Later Living, added: “I am excited for us to be building yet another vital extra care scheme in Leeds.

“This, in addition to the two schemes we are currently developing with Leeds City Council and Home Group, marks a big step forward to delivering three of the four we will complete before 2026 in response to the need for extra care across the city.

“The Woodlesford development is anticipated to complete mid-2023 and we hope to be seeking planning approval for the fourth extra care development before the end of this year.”