Ceremonial brick laid in East Surrey’s first new-build extra care scheme for older people in Horley (From Redhill And Reigate Life)

Ceremonial brick laid in East Surrey’s first new-build extra care scheme for older people in Horley

1:47pm Friday 1st March 2013 in News

East Surrey’s first new-build extra care scheme for older people is on the way with borough council representatives and development chiefs carrying out a symbolic brick-laying at the site in Horley.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's housing development manager, Ray Langley, laid the token brick at the site of Anvil Court in Blacksmith Road.

Due for completion in September, the new Housing 21 scheme will provide 60 apartments with options to rent or to purchase on a shared ownership basis. The development will also include a restaurant, activity room and hairdressing salon.

Mr Langley had been working on the planning and delivery of the scheme for a number of years.

Designed to meet the needs of people aged 55 and over, Anvil Court’s one and two-bedroom apartments will have fully fitted kitchens and level access showers. Residents will also have a secure door entry system with intercom to every apartment, a court manager service and an emergency call system.

The development has been partly funded with a grant from the Homes and Communities Agency. Julian Ellacott, executive member for housing and welfare at Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, said: “This is East Surrey’s first new-build extra care scheme, and has been an aspiration of the council for many years.”

Coun Ellacott said: “The council’s Corporate Plan includes themes around affordable housing for older people and promoting self-reliance. Anvil Court ticks the box on both of these issues.”

Extra care housing is becoming an increasingly popular choice for older people because it allows residents to enjoy independent living in their own home, but with the added benefit of care and support available if required.

The four district and borough councils in East Surrey, together with Surrey County Council, identified a need for extra care housing some years ago.

Since then a number of potential sites have been discussed but none came to fruition.

In 2008, the borough council began talks with Barratt Southern Counties, which led to a planning agreement to build the extra care scheme on The Acres, one of two large new developments to the north of Horley.

In the meantime, the council chose Housing 21 as its preferred partner to develop extra care housing in the borough.

Ben Slater, projects development manager for Housing 21, said: “We’re delighted with the progress being made at Anvil Court and it’s exciting to see the new building taking shape. “This development will provide older people in Reigate and Banstead with excellent accommodation and facilities.”

Peter Green, project director at Barratt Southern Counties, said: “Barratt Homes is thrilled to be working with Housing 21 and that the extra care housing scheme is underway. “We look forward to welcoming older residents to Anvil Court at The Acres later this year.”

He said: “The Acres has been a hugely popular development for us and we are proud to be delivering some really fantastic and much-needed homes and amenities for all generations in the Horley area.” Details on the rented apartments can be obtained from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council on 01737 276791, or by email to: housing.register@reigate-banstead.gov.uk More information on the shared ownership apartments can be obtained from Housing 21 on 0345 608 4021 or email at: sales@housing21.co.uk