brentwood.gov.uk

Specialist Accommodation Needs and Supply - Registered Care

ECC acknowledges BBC is seeking to meet its identified needs for registered care provision, (424 spaces between 2013 and 2033) as identified in the SHMA. However ECC seeks clarification on the suitability of the proposed sites for the provision of specific registered care accommodation (424 spaces across 4 large preferred housing allocation sites), as well as information on any additional infrastructure requirements such accommodation may require.

ECC seeks careful consideration of locations of developments with specific allocations of homes for older people. Easy access to primary care services including GP, local facilities including pharmacists and shops and also public transport links are vital. This would also be applicable for permission given for conversions of buildings of previous use to residential care homes for older and vulnerable people.

Furthermore ECC seeks clarification on whether the location of such accommodation, on four large housing sites, has implications for the general housing capacity of the preferred housing sites. This should also be considered in combination with the location of the required Gypsy and Traveller pitches, which are proposed on 3 of the 4 same large housing sites (see comments below).

In order to meet its statutory obligations as the provider of adult social care, control the costs of adult social care and improve the lives of residents, ECC is committed to influencing the provision of a range of housing options for the older population. Consequently, ECC is keen to support and enable older people to live independently.

At present a gap exists in the provision of Independent Living housing across Essex. There are not sufficient numbers of Independent Living units to relieve pressure for residential care placements. A target of 2,825 Independent Living units (available as rental or ownership units) has been set by ECC to be delivered by 2020 in the County. Not including units either in development or completed to date, there are 2,178 units remaining to be delivered across Essex. Within Brentwood, by 2020, 153 units are required; 26 units are already provided, which leaves 127 still to be provided by 2020.

A programme has been developed by ECC to increase the supply of Independent Living units across Essex. It is therefore recommended that reference to the ECC Independent Living programme and its role in housing delivery should be made in progressing the Plan.