Work on specialist housing development to start

The development forms part of Guernsey's plan for providing more affordable housing

A specialist supported housing development for people with learning disabilities has been agreed, the States of Guernsey has said.

The development of La Vieille Plage, at L'Islet, is due to start this year.

The project is part of the States' Affordable Housing Development Programme.

It will accommodate 14 service users, including people currently living in Sunnybrook at the Duchess of Kent House as well as residents from other homes.

Along with private residential units, there will also be communal and staff facilities.

Staff will be available at all times and the ground floor will include therapeutic facilities such as a sensory room and specialist garden equipment.

Deputy Al Brouard, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care said: "This specialist housing is vital to meet the needs of people with learning disabilities; through bespoke design, facilities such as La Vieille Plage enable a better quality of life, whilst promoting independence, safety, and inclusion."

Deputy Peter Roffey, President of the Committee for Employment & Social Security said: "The development of these 14 specialised housing units is an incredibly positive step and will make a real difference to the lives of those who will live there."

The building programme is expected to take about 18 months, with it set to open in the summer of 2025.

The development has been designed collaboratively between the States of Guernsey, the Guernsey Housing Association, Dunnell Robertson Partnership, Henderson Green Engineers and WT Partnership.