COUNCILLORS and officials were updated on the construction of extra-care homes in Milton-under-Wychwood on a site visit arranged by the GreenSquare housing group.

The visit to The Paddocks development took place during Extra Care Housing Awareness Week, at the start of the month.

Contractor Leadbitter started construction last November.

The 44 homes comprise one and two-bedroom apartments – 11 for shared ownership and 33 for rent – for people aged 55 and above, with support services tailored to suit individual needs.

Jo Curson, GreenSquare’s head of development, said: “The Paddocks has been designed to enable people who need a little extra help to continue to live independently and is one of two extra-care schemes that we are developing in West Oxfordshire.

“An ageing population in the area means that there’s a very real demand for this type of housing.”

In Witney, GreenSquare is building Fernleigh, an extra-care complex of 80 one and two-bedroom flats – 10 for shared ownership, 38 for sale, and 32 for rent.

Care staff at the two sites will work under a contract from Oxfordshire County Council, whose deputy leader Rodney Rose, who lives in the village, was among the visitors, along with Ascott & Shipton ward district councillor Tom Simcox and Milton parish councillors Edna Naish and Ian Marsden.

Judith Heathcoat, the county council’s cabinet member for adult social care, said: “The quality of the new housing is of a high standard and we will ensure the care matches that standard.”

  • GreenSquare is now inviting applications for the apartments at The Paddocks which will be offered for rent, with priority for applicants who have links with Milton-under-Wychwood.

Anyone who wants to register their interest should call 01865 773000 or email extracare@greensquaregroup.com

Anyone interested in buying one of the shared-ownership flats should email ecliving@greensquarehomes.com or call 01793 602806.