People in Sleaford will soon have more housing choices that help them live independently, stay connected to their community and get the support they need when they need it.
Funding has now been agreed for The Hoplands, a £16.6 million development that will create 52 specialist homes, bringing together people of different ages and backgrounds in one community.
The development will be delivered through a partnership between North Kesteven District Council, Homes England and Lincolnshire County Council.
It will include:
- 40 extra care apartments for older people who want to maintain their independence while having access to care and support if needed
- 12 supported living apartments for working-age adults who need additional support to live independently
- With plans to further extend this site to include 20 new houses enabling a multi-generational mixed-tenure community
With the final funding components now in place, a contractor engaged and planning permission in place, construction is expected to start in Spring 2027, with the new extra care apartments and supported-living homes ready for people to live in by Autumn 2028.
Homes England has approved £7.268m through its Social and Affordable Homes Programme, alongside £6.42m from North Kesteven District Council and £2.92m from Lincolnshire County Council.
In welcoming the recent progress on a long-held aspiration, district council leader Cllr Richard Wright said it marked a significant contribution in meeting the accommodation needs of three distinct groups of local people at different stages in life: those aged over-55 with care and support needs; working-aged adults with specific needs; and those looking for smaller local market properties.
“Securing this level of Homes England funding is a significant step towards delivering much-needed affordable specialist housing locally and reflects the strength of our partnership, working on shared priorities in support of independent living, wellbeing and care needs within North Kesteven,” he said.
“Well-designed with sustainability and local need at its core, The Hoplands encapsulates everything we want to see within our communities where people are able to remain living locally, independently and fulfil their potential for as long as they are able.
“It contributes more broadly to the concerns and considerations we have for our communities: the provision of quality, affordable, homes that meet current and emerging needs; the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents; the resilience and sustainability of our communities; the promotion of positive climate action; and excellence within the built environment,” he said.
“And by incorporating our fabric-first principles of quality, well-built, well-insulated homes, with renewable energy technologies including rooftop solar panels, air source heat pumps and modern energy-efficient construction methods, these homes have low-carbon living built-in from the outset.”
As well as providing new homes, the scheme will create more green space, improve habitats for wildlife and deliver an expected 10% increase in biodiversity.
The 40 extra care apartments, delivered in partnership with Lincolnshire County Council, are being designed to help people remain independent for as long as possible. The homes can be adapted as people's needs change, helping them stay in their own home for longer.
Cllr Steve Clegg, Lincolnshire County Council's executive member for adult care and health, said: “We know many people want to continue to live independently as they grow older. And, with the right support, that often helps keep them healthy and well for longer. With an ever-growing number of older people in the county, projects like this are vital.
“Similarly, we know that moving out of the family home can be a daunting step for any young adult, but it can present additional challenges for those with disabilities. This new accommodation would offer working-age adults with disabilities an independent life, like others their age, with all the care and support they need.
“I’m delighted we’ve been able to achieve this important milestone and look forward to seeing the project progress over the coming months.”
The homes have been designed to be inclusive, accessible and adaptable, so that people can continue living independently as their circumstances change.
Residents of the extra care apartments will also have access to shared facilities including a café, lounge areas and landscaped gardens, creating opportunities to meet people, build friendships and stay connected to the wider community.