£1.5 million supported living scheme at St George's Hospital in Morpeth approved by councillors

Leading councillors in Northumberland have given the green light on plans to create a new supported living scheme in Morpeth.

The £1.5 million project will provide facilities for elderly residents to continue to live independently with additional support on site. This type of accommodation is said to be in high demand in the town, with Northumberland home to an ageing population.

The proposals will see 84 new homes built at St George's Hospital. Planning permission was granted in February - and the council has now agreed to fund the build.

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The scheme will be funded by section 106 money from housing developers (££1.061 million) and a Government grant (£439,000).

Speaking at Tuesday's meeting of the council's cabinet, portfolio holder for adult social care Coun Wendy Pattison explained the need for supported living across the county.

She said: "Extra care and supported housing enables self care and independent living for older residents. Extra care schemes throughout the county are in high demand, and no more so than in Morpeth.

"I'm delighted to announce plans for 84 apartments at St George's in Morpeth."

Council leader Glen Sanderson added: "We want to provide extra housing in specialist housing. I'm very pleased - this is a good first step in what will be a really successful development."

It is hoped that the new homes will free up homes for younger families to move into. Furthermore, almost half of the properties will be designated as affordable housing. Coun Colin Horncastle, the council's cabinet member for housing, explained how he envisaged the scheme easing pressure on the town's housing market.

He said: "I think there is something in this report that really needs highlighting, and that is affordable housing. Morpeth is a wonderful town with a lot going for it.

"Sometimes, that creates problems and one of those is it is quite expensive to buy a property here. Nearly half of this development is going to be affordable, which is way above what is required by our policy.

"All of this will add to our targets."

The development also features dwellings specifically designed to support people with dementia - something Coun Pattison said was "close to her heart".

Deputy leader Coun Richard Wearmouth added: "This is housing that people can downsize into where they have challenges around their health. I personally have had family who have had lived in the units at St George's with dementia.

"It is the most horrible thing to watch someone with dementia. There is nothing perhaps more disturbing as someone losing their memory.

"Every now and again you see something in their eyes where they recognise you for a second - and then it is gone. Anything that makes the autumn of your life better with that condition is a fantastic thing."