Green light for £9.5m facility in Southam

It will see a new library and community facilities and 75 extra-care homes built.

The development (pictured right as an artist’s impression) is a venture between social housing provider Orbit and other landowners, including Warwickshire County Council and Southam Town Council.

The plan went to public consultation more than 12 months ago and was recently given permission by Stratford District Council.

The plans involve the demolition of the empty former Victor Hodges House care home, Southam Library and property in Park Lane and High Street.

The accommodation will be 38 two-bedroom flats, along with 37 one-bedroom flats, including a large proportion of affordable units.

Communal facilities in the extra care development include a restaurant, seating areas, private gardens, a games/activity room and a cinema room. The whole development is scheduled to be finished by January 2015.

Southam Conservative councillor Jennie Ellard, a member of Stratford District Council, said it was exciting to support the “once in a lifetime” application and described it as a great example of a developer, councillors and residents working together.

Will Charlton, associate director of Brooke Smith Planning, which is retained by Orbit, said: “As the site is in the centre of the town we went out of our way to ensure consultation with a host of parties.”