A NEW 49-home extra care development in Malmesbury has been given the go ahead after original plans were revised following public consultation.

The site will provide accommodation, on site care, support and facilities for older people.

Wiltshire Council is working closely with one of the region’s leading construction companies, Bouygues UK and housing provider The Abbeyfield Society to develop the scheme.

It could be in place by early 2017 and will see the re-development of the Burnham House Care Home site in Malmesbury.

The scheme was altered after a public consultation held in the town last year flagged up a number of potential issues.

The extra care scheme’s local working group, made up of people from across Malmesbury, has played a crucial role in the development, ensuring it meets the needs and reflects the opinions of local residents.

It will now also provide extensive facilities and services to benefit residents and the wider community including a restaurant, a health and wellbeing suite and guest accommodation.

Maggie Rae, Wiltshire Council corporate director, said: “This project is the result of really positive partnership work and I’m really pleased we’ve reached this milestone.

“When built, these homes will provide a comfortable environment for residents with the reassurance of high quality care available on site.”

Jonathon Seed, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for housing, said: “I am delighted this extra care scheme has been given the go-ahead as it will provide much needed housing, facilities and services for older people in the community.

“The local working group deserve huge credit in helping us reach this stage and I look forward to the building work commencing and the scheme becoming a reality.”

Richard Virr, Director of Development at The Abbeyfield Society said: “The Abbeyfield Society is committed to providing the community of Malmesbury with the highest quality of housing and care possible, reflecting our ethos of making time for older people.

“I am pleased that work can begin on the scheme so soon. It is a very exciting scheme and I look forward to the continuing partnership with Wiltshire Council and Bouygues UK to provide this much-needed extra care development.”

Bouygues UK Regional Managing Director, Chris Stevens, added: “We’re happy to be working with Wiltshire Council and The Abbeyfield Society to deliver more homes for the town’s elderly residents.

“The scheme will not only provide housing but additional facilities to create a community atmosphere for the benefit of residents living away from the scheme, too.”

Work on site is expected to commence later this summer.