Sheltered accommodation given green light in Blackpool amid 2,000-plus waiting list
There are more than 2,000 on waiting lists for sheltered accommodation in Blackpool, reports Shelagh Parkinson
Proposals for new sheltered housing in Blackpool have got the go ahead in order to meet an ‘overwhelming need’ for this type of accommodation in the town.
It is hoped the scheme to build 25 sheltered accommodation flats on a council-owned site on the corner of Whitegate Drive and Ferguson Road will help meet demand with more than 2,000 people on waiting lists.
Blackpool Council’s Planning Committee approved the application for a mix of one and two-bedroom fully accessible flats which will be managed by Blackpool Coastal Housing and have a warden call system.
A planning report, which recommended approval of the application, said: “The
council are noting an increase in the number of applicants requiring adaptations to their current accommodation and this is not always feasible.
“Many are also underutilising larger properties which could be let to bigger households, and as such providing additional sheltered accommodation stock would enable residents to downsize where possible and release larger properties to families in need.
“It is therefore considered that there is an overwhelming need for the type of
accommodation proposed.”
There were eight objections to the plans, drawn up by architects Cassidy and Ashton for a three-storey building, from nearby residents who raised concerns about the height of the building and the lack of parking.
But town hall planners said the height, which would drop to two storeys near to existing houses on Ferguson Road, was not out of keeping with other buildings on Whitegate Drive.
Although only 13 car parking spaces are proposed, a survey of other sheltered housing in Blackpool found on average only one resident in five (20 per cent) owned a car.
The council’s executive agreed in July to apply for funding from government body Homes England towards building the apartments. The site was formerly occupied by council offices which have been demolished.
Residents of sheltered accommodation must be aged over 55, or can be younger if they have a disability. There will be a lift to the upper floors, an alarm system, a warden and outside space for mobility scooters. The site is also next door to the council’s Independent Living Centre which offers services to people with mobility issues.