More affordable homes at Thomas Fields scheme

Thomas Fields, Buxton's new Extra Care scheme, due to open this Spring, will now include an additional 10 flats available at affordable rents thanks to High Peak Borough Council.

The £9.1million development for people aged over 55 comprises 53 two-bedroomed Extra Care apartments, a Residential Care Unit with 20 ensuite rooms and fully-accessible communal facilities including a restaurant, hair salon, wellbeing suite, activity room and landscaped gardens with seating areas.

And, thanks to funding of £420,439 from High Peak Borough Council, ten more of the flats will be available at affordable rents bringing the number to 27 in total. A further 26 apartments will be for shared ownership and outright sale.

The scheme, a partnership between the Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, Housing & Care 21 and Homes England, is now nearing completion and the partners visited to check progress.

Councillor Julie McCabe, Executive Councillor for Housing and Communities at the Borough Council, said: "Affordable, quality homes are much needed in the High Peak so I'm delighted that we have been able to secure these additional properties for older and more vulnerable people at Thomas Fields.

"It's a fantastic facility and it's been a real pleasure to visit it and see first hand just what the residents who will be moving here can look forward to. I know they'll be impressed!"

Councillor Jean Wharmby, Cabinet Member for Adult Care at the County Council, added: "As people get older living alone while staying independent can sometimes become an issue.

"Thomas Fields will offer older people the chance to remain as independent as possible for as long as possible with the added peace of mind that care and support is available on site if and when it's needed.

"We welcome the additional funding from High Peak which will give a lot more people access to affordable housing in Derbyshire."

Donna Holmes, Head of Extra Care at Housing & Care 21 said: "We are really looking forward to the launch of Thomas Fields, helping more people to live independently for as long as possible, with on-site support available when they need it.

"Thomas Fields will also be an important part of the community, acting as a social hub and providing facilities for local people to use and enjoy."

There's more information about Thomas Fields on the Housing & Care 21 website