Council’s £6 million OAP housing scheme nears completion

On site at Darlison Court.
From left: Senior Build Manager at Willmott Dixon, David McDonald; At the topping out ceremony at Darlison Court: Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr. Cheryl Butler; Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Cllr. Glenys Maxwell; Vice chair of Nottinghamshire County Councils Adult social care and health committee, Cllr. Alan Bell; and Ashfield District Council Portfolio holder for Housing and Asset management, Cllr. Keir Morrison — On site at Darlison Court. From left: Senior Build Manager at Willmott Dixon, David McDonald; At the topping out ceremony at Darlison Court: Leader of Ashfield District Council, Cllr. Cheryl Butler; Chairman of Ashfield District Council, Cllr. Glenys Maxwell; Vice chair of Nottinghamshire County Councils Adult social care and health committee, Cllr. Alan Bell; and Ashfield District Council Portfolio holder for Housing and Asset management, Cllr. Keir Morrison

Darlison Court is part of Ashfield District Council’s plan to develop the first new council properties for nearly 30 years.

The bedding of the last brick took place on Monday, November 30.

Hot on the heels of Sutton-in-Ashfield’s Brook Street Court, the first new council housing in Ashfield for 30 years, Darlison Court in Hucknall is now only a matter of months away.

Councillor Keir Morrison, Ashfield District Council’s portfolio holder for housing, said: “This is an important phase in the Darlison Court project and I am proud to be part of it.

“It is wonderful that we will soon be able to offer 39 more much-needed homes for people over the age of 60 in the district.

Coun Morrison added: “Developing energy-efficient, affordable homes for older people so that they can remain independent in their own homes and stay close to their families, friends and communities, can only be of benefit for local people and the district.”

When complete, the scheme will offer 39 spacious one and two bedroom apartments. They will be let to people aged over 60 and are designed to help them live independently in their own home as they get older.

Due for completion in early 2016, the modern homes have been developed as part of a partnership between Ashfield District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council and Wilmott Dixon. The homes will be owned by Ashfield District Council and the County Council will have nomination rights to some of the apartments for people needing Extra Care support through its £735,781 investment.