Redevelopment of Thurmaston sheltered homes given go-ahead

Work to redevelop a sheltered housing complex in Leicestershire is due to start later this year after the plans were approved by councillors.

Nine new one-bedroom bungalows are set to be built on the St Michael's Court site, in Melton Road in Thurmaston.

Charnwood Borough Council's planning committee approved the plans, which had been submitted in 2023.

The council now aims to make the properties available to residents in 2025.

Documents show the bungalows will provide accessible living for older council tenants and have been designed to help them live independently in the properties for longer.

Eight of the bungalows will be accessed from Melton Road and one from Garden Street, with 12 parking spaces available for residents.

Colin Hamilton, the council's lead member for housing, said: "This sheltered housing complex was built over 50 years ago and is no longer the quality and type of accommodation people want in that area.

"The bungalows will be designed for people with mobility issues in mind and will be a great addition to the council's housing stock.

"It's great we've passed this significant milestone by obtaining planning permission and I look forward to seeing the project move forward later this year."

The properties will feature solar panels to produce electricity and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery which will reduce heat loss from the ventilation system.

There will also be six electric vehicle charging points.

Follow BBC East Midlands on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.