Eleven new affordable bungalows are being delivered at Pendower Way in Benwell and Scotswood, increasing housing choice for older residents in the local community.
The new homes form part of Newcastle Labour’s wider programme to increase the number and range of properties available to older people across the city.
Newcastle’s Older People’s Housing Delivery Plan identifies the 11 Pendower Way bungalows as affordable rented homes, with the development on site and scheduled for completion in March 2013.
The new properties will give local residents another housing option as their needs change, particularly people who want the convenience of a single-storey home while remaining close to their existing community, family and friends.
Labour wants to increase the availability of bungalows as part of new housing development across Newcastle, recognising that providing the right mix of homes is just as important as increasing the overall number of properties.
Providing more suitable homes for older residents can also help make better use of Newcastle’s existing housing.
Where somebody living in a larger family property wants to move to a smaller and more accessible home, providing suitable alternatives can allow that larger property to become available to a family that needs the additional space.
The Pendower Way development forms part of a wider programme of new housing for older people being taken forward across Newcastle, alongside plans for specialist and assisted-living accommodation.
Council Leader Cllr Nick Forbes said: “These new affordable bungalows will give older residents in Benwell and Scotswood more choice and the opportunity to find a home that better meets their needs while remaining part of their local community.
“Labour wants Newcastle to provide the right mix of homes for people at every stage of their lives.
“By building more bungalows and accessible homes we can help older residents remain independent, while also making better use of our existing housing and freeing up larger properties for families who need them.”