Blackpool's plans for new sheltered housing have been greenlit to address the 'overwhelming need' for such accommodation in the town. The scheme, which involves constructing 25 sheltered flats on a council-owned plot at the junction of Whitegate Drive and Ferguson Road, aims to alleviate the pressure on housing at a time when more than 2,000 individuals are on waiting lists.
Blackpool Council's Planning Committee has given the nod to the project, which will feature a mix of one and two-bedroom fully accessible flats managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing, complete with a warden call system. A planning report endorsing the application stated: "The council are noting an increase in the number of applicants requiring adaptations to their current accommodation and this is not always feasible."
It added, "Many are also underutilising larger properties which could be let to bigger households, and as such providing additional sheltered accommodation stock would enable residents to downsize where possible and release larger properties to families in need. It is therefore considered that there is an overwhelming need for the type of accommodation proposed."
There were eight objections from local residents, centred around the height of the proposed building and a perceived lack of parking.
However, the architects Cassidy and Ashton have designed the building to drop to two storeys near existing houses on Ferguson Road, which planners believe is in keeping with other buildings on Whitegate Drive. Despite only proposing 13 car parking spaces, a survey of other sheltered housing in Blackpool found that only one in five residents (20 per cent) owned a car, reports .
In July, the council's executive agreed to apply for funding from government body Homes England towards building the apartments. The site was previously occupied by council offices which have since been demolished.
The new building will be a sheltered accommodation facility, requiring residents to be aged over 55 or younger if they have a disability. The building will also feature a lift to the upper floors, an alarm system, a warden and outside space for mobility scooters.
The scheme is located next door to the council's Independent Living Centre which offers services to people with mobility issues.
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