Greenfields are planning to make some much needed improvements to their sheltered housing schemes across the district.

Two schemes will be completely remodelled in the first phase of work; Norah Guilder House in Hatfield Peverel and Gladys Malpass House, in Halstead, where they will invest over £3million in improvements. Greenfields have already started talking to residents about moving into alternative accommodation and a support package has been put in place for residents with dedicated staff resources made available to support them during this time. The work to remodel the buildings will start in late summer 2010.

Four more schemes will be considered for remodelling once the first two schemes have been completed.

The remodelled schemes will meet the requirements of the Government’s ‘Lifetime Homes’ standard, meaning accommodation will be more spacious than would normally be expected, to ensure full wheelchair access and easy adaptability.  

The 11 schemes not included in the first phase will be brought up to the Government’s Decent Homes standard. This work will be done over the coming years with detailed plans currently being developed. This means that we will be fitting new kitchens, bathrooms, central heating, rewiring, doors and windows, where required.

Steven McNally, Greenfields’ Sheltered Housing Manager, said: “This is really good news for all of our sheltered scheme residents. We understand that this can be a difficult time for those residents who have to move to alternative accommodation. We have put a support package in place to help residents with the transition. We will see incredible improvements in the standard of accommodation at both Norah Guilder House and Gladys Malpass House and we are currently identifying the order in which other schemes will receive Decent Homes work. Overall, the future for our sheltered schemes is very positive.”