Proposals for a major new housing development for older people in a Suffolk village have been unveiled.

If plans are approved later this year by Forest Heath District Council, an extra care scheme comprising 60 flats and up to 40 linked bungalows could be built in Lakenheath.

The new development on land near Sharpes Corner will provide housing with care and support for frail older people, giving local residents the opportunity to buy or rent homes.

The plans have been drawn up by Hereward Housing, a member of Sanctuary Housing Group, and local charity the Christian Enterprise Foundation (CEF) which currently runs the Lakenheath Village Home in Back Lane.

The CEF has voiced concerns that the 21-bedroom home – a former vicarage – no longer meets modern care standards and is uneconomical to run. The charity has therefore come to the decision to close the home with residents and staff transferring to the new development, which will be managed by Hereward Housing.

All residents at Lakenheath Village Home will be offered accommodation and the building will only close once residents have moved to their new homes.

Mark Newstead, Director of Business Development for Hereward Housing, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for us to offer older people living in Lakenheath and the surrounding area a choice of high quality properties and services to meet their individual needs.

“The new development will provide more than just a home for residents - we hope that this scheme will be at the very heart of the community. “

Bruce Rutterford, Chair of the CEF, said: “We are very excited about the new development. There is an increasing demand for this type of housing in the area and we often have to turn people away from the Old Vicarage.

“The new scheme will provide high quality modern housing for many more local older people than we can currently provide.”

31 May 2007