Rochford welcomes new residents

Three people with learning disabilities and/or autism in Essex will have the chance to move closer to their families thanks to a development of tailored flats in Rochford. This new collaboration between Dimensions, a national not-for-profit social care provider, and local company Sterling Developments will help people achieve more independence and control over their lives.

Dimensions’ housing broker Mike Boardley said, “Together, we’ve designed and built three flats tailored to the needs of the people Dimensions supports in Essex. Specifications included quality finishes such as underfloor heating, and extra features for each flat to help the people we could support there in future to feel and stay safe.”

 

Whilst Sterling Developments secured the land, Dimensions partnered with the adult social care commissioning team in Essex County Council to ensure the development would meet current and future needs in the area.

The build took just 18 months and the result is three brand new bespoke flats that meet the Local Authority’s commissioning needs. Social workers have been quick to start referring people into the properties!

What makes this partnership special? Well, Sterling Developments have taken on the build and will retain ownership of the properties which will be leased to Dimensions and rented to the people we support. It’s a partnership model that we hope to replicate with other local authorities and other developers.

Mike Boardley added, “This development was badly needed; Essex is short of homes designed for people with complex needs. We look forward to breaking more ground with our partners locally.”