Issue - meetings

(a)       That the Committee welcome further developments on extra care facilities in Flintshire; and

(b)       That an update on further progress be shared with the Committee.

The Senior Manager: Integrated Services, Lead Adults presented an update on the development of two new Extra Care facilities in Flint and Holywell following the successful delivery of schemes in Shotton and Mold.  She welcomed recognition by the Care & Social Services Inspectorate Wales of the model used by the Council and said that the new developments would help to meet anticipated demand, as set out in the Council’s Improvement Plan and Housing Strategy.

An update was given on the design of the project at Flint which would also incorporate ground floor accommodation for people with Dementia.  Work was due to start on site in February 2016 and the scheme was expected to be opened in Autumn 2017.  With regard to the scheme in Holywell, the refusal of planning consent for the original site meant that other available sites were being explored in the locality, prior to seeking planning approval and consultation with Holywell Town Council.  Further updates would be shared with the Committee when available.

Councillor Mike Reece asked about the potential for a scheme in other areas, and was advised that Wales & West were exploring opportunities in the Holywell locality.

Councillor David Healey welcomed the new developments to increase housing options for the ageing population.  In response to a query, the Senior Manager explained that the developments would be wholly owned by the registered social landlords unless sold to individuals.

Councillor Hilary McGuill referred to her list of suggested requirements for extra care provision previously shared with officers and asked whether this had been taken into consideration for the two new developments.  The Senior Manager said that some of the issues raised had been taken forward as part of these developments, along with some of the lessons learned from the first two extra care schemes.

Councillor Dave Mackie passed on the positive comments from two service users who had been very supportive of the schemes.

In response to a question from Councillor Ian Smith on the Flint scheme, it was stated that parking provision had been carefully considered and had been considered sufficient by the Planning Committee.

It was pointed out by the Chair that the Flint scheme was near to a large retail park with generous parking provision and that most residents of extra care schemes did not drive, all of which had been taken into consideration as part of the planning process.

Councillor Nancy Matthews reminded Members of insufficient parking provision for sheltered accommodation.  The Senior Manager said that the average age of extra care residents and learning from other extra care schemes had helped to inform plans for the design of the new schemes with parking provision incorporating a buggy store.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the Committee welcome further developments on extra care facilities in Flintshire; and

(b)       That an update on further progress be shared with the Committee.