Plans submitted for new sheltered housing blocks

Proposals are for a three-storey building on the site of former council offices

Plans have been tabled to build a block of 25 new sheltered housing units in a seaside resort.

Councillors in Blackpool were told there are currently 2,263 people on the waiting list in the resort for sheltered accommodation, with much of the current sheltered housing stock considered no longer fit for purpose due to its age.

Proposals are for a three-storey building on the site of former council offices on the corner of Whitegate Drive and Ferguson Road in Blackpool, which have been demolished.

The council’s executive agreed in July to apply for funding from government body Homes England to build the apartments.

The proposed new homes would be available at social rent level

If the scheme gets the go-ahead, the new sheltered housing will be a mix of one and two-bedroom, fully accessible flats.

There will be a lift to the upper floors, an alarm system, a warden and outside space for mobility scooters.

In its application, Cassidy and Ashton said: “There is a demand for and a need to increase the number of suitable sheltered housing units for the over 55s within the borough.

“The provision of fully accessible units in a sustainable location would make a tangible contribution to the council’s housing stock."

The proposed new homes will be managed by the council-owned Blackpool Coastal Housing and available at social rent level.