More than 80 homes planned for former steel foundry site

Housing 21, a not-for-profit housing association, is proposing to build an affordable housing scheme on land in Spring Wood Road, in Guisborough.

If approved, it will consist of 70 apartments and 12 bungalows for older people.

The Extra Care development, in partnership with Ryedale Estates Ltd and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council, will address the shortage of specialist housing for older people.

The site is the final plot in the 20-year regeneration of Cleveland Gate, 12 hectares of vacant green and brownfield land formerly occupied by two steel foundries.

Survey and design work has commenced, and full plans are being presented to members of the local community, giving an opportunity to learn more about the scheme, ask questions and make comments.

The public consultation event will run virtually until Wednesday 25 August. The website can be accessed at: https://dppukltd.com/guisborough/

All properties in the scheme – designed by Langtry Langton Architects – will be available either for social rent or shared ownership.

David Rhodes, owner of Ryedale Estates Ltd, said: “This project occupies the last remaining site in the Cleveland Gate initiative which already includes a medical centre and pharmacy, retail such as M&S Simply Food as well as Aldi and others, a gym, a cafe, employment-creating workspace units and residential that provides family housing, affordable homes and bungalows.

“The project has been almost 20 years in the making and the use of the remaining land for affordable extra care homes and further bungalows is a welcome final addition to the mix.”

In addition to the 82 homes, the development will provide communal spaces including a residents’ lounge, a bistro café, a hair salon, an assisted bathroom and a guest suite. The café and hair salon will be open for use by members of the community in Guisborough.

Clare Hemming, senior property development manager at Housing 21, said: “We are excited to develop this high-quality Extra Care scheme in Guisborough which will be Housing 21’s first within Redcar & Cleveland.

“Extra Care living offers older people the opportunity to live independently in their own homes, while having access to on-site care if and when needed.

“The site on Spring Wood Road is an ideal location for this development and is well-placed to serve the people of Guisborough and beyond.”