Planning Permission Granted for New Homes for Older People in Essington

South Staffordshire Council has granted planning permission for the development of new homes for older people in Essington. The scheme, put forward by South Staffordshire Housing Association (SSHA) has already gained widespread support within the village.

Sue Rowley, Managing Director of SSHA said: “South Staffordshire has the fastest aging population in the country and people are understandably concerned about where and how they will live as they get older.

“We have consulted widely in the village and we have already had people ask if they can go onto a waiting list for the new apartments. Now that we have planning permission we will meet with interested local residents again to discuss the finer details.”

The new scheme will be built on the site of Park House. Former resident Mrs Oakley said: “The plan is brilliant. The new scheme will have all the facilities we need. I can’t wait for it to happen.”

The new £7m scheme will change the face of housing and support for older people in Essington and the surrounding area. It will include:

• high quality 1 and 2 bedroom apartments for older people, each with its own kitchen and bathroom;
• an internet suite, residents’ club room, and a communal dining area with kitchen facilities.
• an upper floor lounge to take advantage of the exceptional views and the landscaped gardens;
• ample parking for residents and their visitors; and
• arrangements for support, care and health services and visiting amenities, like hairdressers, podiatrists and dentists.

Development work is expected to start on site early in 2009.

(Released 3rd September 2008)

Housing Association Wins National Award for Excellence

A midlands-based housing association has been declared the overall winner of this year’s housing Oscars - the National Housing Federation’s Neighbourhood Awards.

The prestigious award is given for a project which demonstrates innovation, commitment to neighbourhoods, customers, excellence and evidence of improved service.

The association received the accolade for its Project Independent Living which drastically reduces waiting lists for adaptations for people with disabilities, enabling them to regain dignity and independence.

Sue Rowley, managing director for South Staffordshire Housing Association, said: “We aim to find common sense solutions to the challenges real people face. This award recognises the positive difference we can make to people’s lives when we all work together.”

Debbie Griffiths, chief executive of Central Borders Housing Group added: "This is a tremendous achievement which rewards the partnership working of the local and county councils, the service users and our own team here at SSHA.”

South Staffordshire Housing Association, which is a part of Central Borders Housing Group, won the What We Are Proud Of category at the midlands regional finals of NHF’s Neighbourhood awards back in May. This week they won that category nationally and were later declared overall winners of the entire 10 categories of the competition beating 35 other housing associations to first place.

Councillor Robert Marshall, Deputy Leader (Community Services) of South Staffordshire Council says: “Our partnership with South Staffordshire Housing Association on this project is proving to be a great success. It has not only increased the speed and the quality of service that is delivered, it has also dramatically improved the value for money we can achieve. We are pleased that this has been recognised by the National Housing Federation.”

(Released 22nd September 2008)

Neighbourhood Awards Website (external link)