A SOCIAL housing scheme, which saw the demolition of bedsits and the construction of new flats with solar panels, is nearing completion.

The sites at Lavender Place, Bampton, and Blenheim Court, Carterton, will provide 49 new one- and two-bed flats for older people in housing need. This includes 18 at Lavender Place and 31 at Blenheim Court.

The work, which will offer up-to-date apartments for social rent for people aged over 55, will be completed in the new year.

The former 1960s buildings at the site have already been demolished. The new buildings include solar panels and electric heating, and electrical vehicle charging points are being fitted at Blenheim Court.

Th work by EG Carter, on behalf of Cottsway, started last year.

There were some delays to work at the Lavender Place site due to the pandemic but it is due to be completed in the spring and Blenheim Court in the summer.

Vivian Rosser, Chief Executive of Cottsway, said: “These apartments are being built to a high standard offering customers modern, comfortable accommodation with attractive features, such as balconies for outdoor living at the Blenheim Court development.

“Demand for affordable housing of this kind is high in West Oxfordshire and Cottsway is absolutely committed to developing more new homes for people in housing need, while continuing to invest in our current homes. These two developments will help make a real difference to those in need and what’s more, we’re ensuring that we’re installing features to ensure they’re future-proofed for more low carbon living.”

The Oxfordshire Housing and Growth Deal - which involves Oxfordshire’s five district councils and county council working together to secure Government investment for new homes and infrastructure across the county - has provided a grant of nearly £2.7m to support the two developments.

An additional £20,000 Disabled Facilities Grant has also been provided by the district council to install walk-in showers in the ground floor apartments at the Blenheim Court development.

West Oxfordshire District Council’s Leader Michele Mead visited the development sites to see how they are progressing.

She said: “Housing is a key priority for us as a district council. We are keen on supporting residents by working with partner organisations to deliver quality, modern homes at an affordable rate.”

And Merilyn Davies, the council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “There's nothing more important than having a place to call home, and everyone should have the right to a home they can afford.

“One of one key priorities as a council is to meet the affordable housing needs of our residents and this development will provide 18 apartments for social rent to meet some of these needs.”