The district’s first extra care home – estimated to cost in excess of £10million - has been given the go ahead, with another in the pipeline.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Uttlesford District Council has released a number of artist's impressions of the extra care scheme at Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden.Uttlesford District Council has released a number of artist's impressions of the extra care scheme at Radwinter Road, Saffron Walden. (Image: Archant)

The 73-unit development on Radwinter Road, which promotes independent living for those who are no longer able to live entirely alone, met with unanimous approval at a meeting of the planning committee at Uttlesford District Council (UDC) last week.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we have got our first extra care home coming to Uttlesford,” cabinet member for housing, Councillor Julie Redfern, told the Reporter.

“Obviously we have got more mature residents in Uttlesford and I just love that there’s something for them, that there’s a way for them to continue living a comfortable life – I’m really pleased,” she said.

Work on the development is due to start on the former Willis & Gambier site later this year, with all the self-contained flats to be equipped with their own balcony space or terrace space. There will be also be a number of communal facilities for residents’ use, including a resident lounge, restaurant and roof garden.

Of the 73 flats, 40 will be affordable rented and 33 for shared ownership and private sale for the over 55s.

The funding of the extra care home has come from a number of sources, including Essex County Council, which has put forward £983,000. UDC also raised £500,000 for the facility through developer contributions, which have subsequently been slashed due to a major change in central government policy.

“I am pleased to say that this is one of two extra care schemes proposed in Uttlesford – a similar development in Great Dunmow is expected imminently,” Cllr Redfern said.

“Both of these projects form part of our housing strategy to deliver the type of accommodation that Uttlesford needs, both now and for the future. It is wonderful to see so much of our careful planning coming to fruition.”