Derwentside Homes have started work on Lynwood House, a brand new sheltered housing development in County Durham, thanks to investment from the Homes and Communities Agency.

The development includes 33 two-bedroom en-suite apartments for the over 55s and a new state of the art Medical Centre. The apartments, which will be for sale and affordable rent, will be designed to an extremely high standard and will offer luxury accommodation for older people who wish to live independently.

Lynwood House, in Lanchester, County Durham, is on the site of a former residential care home which was owned by Durham County Council. The care home was one of seven closed by the council in October 2010.

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The £6m development is being paid for by Derwentside Homes with support from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). The doctors' surgery will be funded and owned by Trinity Medical Properties Ltd and occupied on completion by Park House Surgery, who currently practice from smaller premises in the village. The developer for the site is Galliford Try.

Stephen Melvin, Director of Development and Property Services at Derwentside Homes, said: "We are delighted to see work commence on Lynwood House. The development will provide much needed accommodation for the over 55's as well as providing facilities that will benefit the local area. Lynwood House is now our fourth major refurbishment project and will see the creation of luxury apartments and communal facilities. We have already fully refurbished sheltered courts at Magdalene Court in Medomsley and Haven House in Leadgate, while Castle Court in Annfield Plain is nearing completion and is expected to open this spring.

"By working with Durham County Council, local GP's and community groups, we have been able to ensure that Lynwood House will meet the needs of the local community and like all our other sheltered housing schemes, we are expecting high demand for the properties once they are completed."

(CD)