Residents move into new purpose-built specialist homes in St Agnes 

The first residents have moved into a group of brand-new, specialist bungalows in Saffron Gardens in St Agnes.

Built in the grounds of the Cornwall Housing supported living scheme at White’s Close, Saffron Garden’s properties were built for people over the age of 55 with a local connection to the area. 

The aim of the scheme is to provide homes in which tenants can age in peace, accessing the right support or care as their needs change. 

All the residents of the Saffron Gardens bungalows will have access to communal facilities at White’s Close, together with support from Cornwall Housing scheme manager Polly Parsons. 

Ann Jones moved into one of the new properties earlier this year.

Having previously lived in nearby sheltered accommodation, Ann said her new home gives her more independence, but also reassurance that help is nearby if she needs it.  

Ann said:

“Although the sheltered accommodation I lived in before was nice, this is a big improvement for me, and I love the place.” 

“It is very modern and spacious with some lovely finishing touches, and I am very happy here. 

“Well done Cornwall Council.” 

Developed by the council with funding from Homes England as part of the authority’s programme to provide new council housing, the single storey homes include an open plan kitchen, dining and living area with a double bedroom and a storage area.  

The modern, energy efficient properties, constructed by Classic Builders, have been specially designed to meet the needs of older people and are available for social rent.  

All the bungalows are level access and have storage and charging facilities for mobility scooters. Heating is provided by air source heat pumps.  

Olly Monk, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for housing, said:

“We know how important it is for older people to have the opportunity to continue living in their local communities as their needs change. These bespoke bungalows mean that 11 local people can remain living in St Agnes, potentially freeing up larger properties for a local family to move into.  

“This is a great scheme and I am looking forward to seeing similar projects being developed for older people in other areas across Cornwall.” 

During development the council worked closely with local Cornwall councillor Pete Mitchell, St Agnes Parish Council, existing residents of White’s Close and the wider community to ensure that the scale, design and construction of the properties was sympathetic to the area. 

Councillor Mitchell said:

"I'm thrilled that we have added to the facilities already at White's Close. 

“We know that the cost of housing in this area means that a lot of people end up having to move out of the village when they need additional support. It is wonderful that we now have this brilliant scheme which is providing much needed specialist and affordable accommodation for local, older people.  

“One of the people who has moved into Saffron Gardens has been ringing me every day to say that this has changed his life. He had been sofa surfing for ages and hasn't had anywhere to live. He can now plan the rest of his life and is very happy.”  

Paul Kimberley, from St Agnes Parish Council welcomed the local connection condition which means that the bungalows cannot be allocated to anyone from outside the village.  

He said:

“As someone who has lived here my whole life, I think it's extremely important that people in the village know that they've potentially got somewhere to go and live as they mature or if they develop any disabilities, staying local in the place they've born, lived in, or grown up or worked in.” 

The scheme, which was completed at the end of last year, is being managed by Cornwall Housing.  

Nyree Laugharne, independent living service manager at Cornwall Housing, said:

“All 11 units have been signed up, although a few residents are yet to move in. 

“Seeing residents settle into these high-quality homes and the positive impact on the community is truly rewarding.  These bungalows offer not just comfort but the opportunity to enjoy independent living with the right support - a project we can all be proud of.” 

As well as providing the 11 bespoke bungalows, the scheme also includes the creation of a new paved footpath and cycle route along the eastern edge of the site to improve connectivity in the area, and new railings, trees and landscaping in and around the communal gardens.  

Tackling current housing pressures is a top priority for Cornwall Council.   

As well as building more council homes for local people to rent, the authority is also working hard to:    

• Provide modular homes to provide temporary and emergency accommodation so local people can be housed without worrying about being asked to leave at a moment’s notice
• Buy existing homes to use as social housing
• Support the provision of affordable homes by housing associations for local people to rent or buy      
• Ensure sites deliver affordable housing through the planning process     
• Unlock the potential for town centres to be regenerated to provide more housing     
• Support community-led organisations that want to deliver their own homes     
• Offer loans to bring empty homes back into use 
• Enable communities to stop new builds being snapped up by would be second homeowners.