The development is set to open next summer
A South London council will open 45 new homes for adults with autism or learning disabilities and older people, in a first for the borough. Kingston Council has approved plans allowing it to move ahead with the housing project on Acre Road, in Kingston.
Hartington House will have 12 flats, a communal space and overnight sleep-in arrangements for people with autism or learning disabilities aged 18 or over. Campbell House will have 33 properties, including three accessible bungalows, for older people over the age of 55.
The council’s people committee unanimously agreed to begin procuring a care provider for Hartington House on Tuesday (June 23). The authority expects the contract will cost up to £6.2million over five years, with the option to extend for another five years.
The committee also approved a lettings plan to allow people to move into the council homes on Acre Road once they are completed, which is expected to be next summer. All tenants must be on the council’s housing register.
Lib Dem councillor Sabah Hamed said the project would help residents to live independently. She said: “We want to make sure they remain connected to their community and they live independently, as I said it’s so important, but also that they’re connected to their families.”
A report by council officers said: “The homes for older people will be the council’s first purpose-built, bespoke accommodation for residents aged 55 or older. They will be built to reflect modern standards and future proofed to allow for ongoing adaptation including the addition of technology to support the provision of care.
“Meanwhile, the homes for residents with learning disabilities and autism will be genuinely unique in terms of the council’s existing accommodation offer.
“Designed and built to specifically meet the needs of residents with a broad range of needs, enabling them to live independently with or without additional care, the homes will allow the council to meet its Care Act responsibilities in a more cost effective and appropriate manner, reducing the reliance on out-of-borough placements.”
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