Development brief

Our ideal specification is outlined below but if you have something that sits outside this scope, we’d still welcome a discussion. We’re particularly keen to welcome discussions on Modern Methods of Construction, low carbon builds and innovation through procurement that will improve the speed of construction, value and quality of the end product.

Extra Care

Typically our Extra Care sites are around 1.5 - 2.5 acres to support the development of around 60 - 90 apartments.

Our preference is for a serviced roadside site with all utilities. Ideally, they will be within an established community and near to local facilities including shops, GP surgeries, other primary care facilities and public transport for both residents and potential staff.

We aim to make all our new developments dementia-friendly environments incorporating the “Housing our Ageing Population Panel for Innovation” (HAPPI) principles wherever possible.

We believe our Extra Care schemes should be developed in line with the C3 use class definition of development (dwelling house) rather than C2 (residential home). However, we can work with C2 use where required. As a registered provider we are Community Infrastructure Levy exempt and need to build the process for claiming that exemption into our timelines for delivery. Given that our product is, in the main, an all-affordable product, we would look to discuss how we can mitigate against the majority of S106 requirements that would be imposed on a developer and look to agree early our position on nomination rights with each local authority directly.

Retirement Living

Our Retirement Living brief requires slightly less land than Extra Care at around 0.75 - 2 acres in order to develop around 40 - 70 properties in a scheme.

They are designed for independent living, to be safe and secure, located close to local shops and essential amenities, with good transport links. Again, our preference is for a serviced roadside site with all utilities. Internally, there needs to be informal seating areas for resident socialising opportunities, manager facilities and a secure buggy store.