A £13 million 'extra care' scheme is set to help meet the growing demand for older people’s housing in South Staffordshire, after planning permission was approved for the flagship scheme.

Representatives from Housing Plus, which is developing the scheme, South Staffordshire Council and other key stakeholders met on the development site to mark the go-ahead for the scheme.

The development will see the site of the former Silverdene care home, at Tildesely Close, Penkridge, turned into 82 high-quality purpose-built apartments for people aged mainly over 55.

Work on the development, including demolishing a number of disused properties on the site, is due to be started in June, with anticipated completion by November 2013.

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The £13m project is receiving £1.14m investment from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), and £1.1m from South Staffordshire Council, as well as a donation of land, to provide homes for the rapidly growing number of older people in the district requiring care and support.

South Staffordshire has the fastest growing over 85s population in the UK.

Care Plus, which is part of Housing Plus along with South Staffordshire Housing Association, will be managing the scheme. It will provide options for care and support packages tailored around residents’ needs and wishes to ensure they retain their independence and have an enhanced quality of life.

The modern apartments will be within an attractive, light and airy building that will also include a café, restaurant, hairdressing salon and gym for use by residents and the wider community.

Ursula Bennion, director of business development for Housing Plus, said: "Silverdene will be a flagship development for the district, which is leading the way in providing extra care accommodation and related support services.

"The scheme will provide much-needed high-quality housing and support for local people. Almost a quarter of residents in the village of Penkridge are aged between 50 and 64 and Silverdene is designed to meet the housing needs of not just these people but for others who need care and support, for many years to come."

(CD)