Pellings, the design, property and construction consultancy, has used its design expertise in creating homes for older people to design a scheme in Swanley, Kent.
Due for completion in May 2018 Northview follows on from the very successful Pellings-designed Bonney Court scheme close by, both of which are for West Kent Housing Association.
The scheme being built by the Chartway Group will provide much needed accommodation for the over 55s who want to enjoy independent living in modern, one and two-bedroomed apartments. A total of 31 units are being created and replace the 16 homes that were on the site originally.
James Green, Partner with Pellings, said: “Using our experience from designing Bonney Court and other similar schemes we designed and won planning consent for a project tailored to the needs of older people, creating a communal feel yet providing residents with the independence of being able to live in their own apartment.”
Northview is built on three-storeys in a horseshoe shape around a communal central courtyard that takes advantage of the steep topography of the site to maximise views over the adjacent park.
Green explains that the scheme is designed to DCLG Technical Housing Standards – Nationally Described Standard but gives more than the minimum space requirement.
In addition, a percentage of the units are designed for wheelchair accessible shower rooms and each flat has the capability of accommodating a Class 2 mobility scooter and also secure space at ground floor level for Class 3 mobility scooters.
Windowsills in each unit are lower to allow room for wheel chairs and there is a communal lounge at ground floor level.
“Northview provides accommodation for the over-55s on the same basis as our hugely successful Bonney Court development just around the corner,” explains West Kent’s Head of Support Rajinder Manger. “That scheme has proved so popular that we decided to provide more of the same.”
West Kent worked closely with the residents of the original 16 supported living flats to provide them with alternative accommodation during the building work. Those households will be given first choice on renting one of the new homes when they become available early next summer.
