Innovative complex given thumbs up

2:52pm Sunday 2nd March 2008

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A MULTI-million pound housing development for the elderly in Milford Haven has been given the go-ahead.

The development will see the creation of 48 one and two bedroomed flats and facilities for the elderly at The Grove, in Steynton.

The state-of-the-art development by Pembrokeshire Housing will be the second of its kind in the county and one of only a handful in Wales.

The site will be 1.9 hectares east of Warrior Way and Exeter Road and in accordance with the Welsh Assembly and Pembrokeshire County Council strategies for older people.

Peter Maggs, chief executive of Pembrokeshire Housing, said: "I'm delighted that our plans for The Grove can now go ahead.

"This new development will see us deliver a cutting edge, yet sympathetic, scheme which will benefit the elderly community in Milford Haven, in an area which we believe supports such a premium development.

"This kind of housing is perfect for older people who require some level of personal care or support but wish to retain a degree of independence, allowing them to live in safety and security.

"The Grove is only the second Extra Care housing scheme in Pembrokeshire, following our recently-completed development at Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest.

He went on to say the development at The Grove will be a flagship project for both Pembrokeshire Housing and for the elderly community of Milford Haven.

All of the accommodation and facilities, including gardens, are wheelchair accessible.

Cllr David Wildman, Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member with responsibility for the elderly, said: "This is fantastic news for Milford Haven, and in particular, for the older members of the community who now stand to benefit from the outstanding facilities that will be provided by Pembrokeshire Housing's scheme.

"Extra Care Housing is very much the way forward in terms of providing housing solutions and fits with the council's strategy for the delivery of services to older persons.

"With only a handful of such schemes in Wales, Pembrokeshire is very much at the forefront in this field."

Planning permission for this site was initially granted but the organisation needed to resolve some restrictive covenant issues which it did in September.

This week the organisation got funding approval from the Welsh Assembly.

Work on the new development will commence this month with completion due in the Autumn of 2009.