Work under way on new housing complex

Councillors Tom Fitzpatrick and Bill Borrett take a look at the site plan PICTURE: Matthew Farmer (Image: Archant)

A number of Extra Care housing developments, which provide some assistance to those who can otherwise live independently, are being developed in the county.

A ground-breaking ceremony was held to mark the start of construction on the three-storey building next to the Fakenham Medical Centre.

The scheme is part of a partnership with North Norfolk District Council, and represents 66 of the 3000 living places the council plan to provide by 2028.

Bill Borrett, county council cabinet member for adult social care, said: "The best part of these schemes is when you get on the ground and see things actually happening. We want to have more of this type of housing to help people stay closer to their community, family and friends."

District councillor Karen Ward, overseeing housing and planning, talks to amassed guests PICTURE: Matthew Farmer (Image: Archant)

Both councils are ken to continue working with not-for-profit developer Housing 21 to develop the remaining living places.

Tracy Jones, head of extra care at the developer, said: "We have 130 sites nationally, and the main thing we have found important for residents is socialisation.

"We have a lot of people who need someone to regularly chat with after their partners have died, or others who just need a little bit of support to live by themselves. We try to provide it for people of modest means."

The development has a café for residents, and a salon and lounge which will be open to the public. Up to 40 jobs will be created, not including cleaning staff and the salon, which will be rented commercially.

The apartments are a mix of one and two bedrooms, and have shared ownership and affordable housing places.

The site will be officially named on October 1.