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Housing

Award-Winning Sustainable Housing Scheme for Adults with Learning Disabilities Approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Bath & North East Somerset Council has received planning permission for the Englishcombe Lane Supported Housing Scheme, a sustainable housing initiative aimed at transforming the lives of adults with learning disabilities. The scheme received a national Housing Design Award, a national Planning Award, and was shortlisted in the Design in Mental Health awards. The development will provide 16 specialist units with care and support, offering a calm and sensory-friendly environment for residents to live as independently as possible in their own homes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Englishcombe Lane Supported Housing Scheme will provide 16 specialist units with care and support for adults with learning disabilities, offering a calm and sensory-friendly environment.
  • The scheme received a national Housing Design Award, a national Planning Award, and was shortlisted in the Design in Mental Health awards.
  • The development will feature 10 one-bedroom houses, five two-bedroom houses, a single three-bedroom house, and a community hub, all designed and built for accessibility and adaptability for wheelchair users.
  • The council's decision to implement the development is subject to cabinet approval on September 11.
  • The scheme is financed through rent-backed borrowing, service savings from in-house provision, a Homes England Grant, and S106 funds.
  • The development will protect the ecology of the site with a 20% biodiversity net gain that exceeds mandatory requirements.
  • The scheme reflects the council's commitment to sustainable development across the whole of B&NES.
  • Councillor Alison Born, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, highlighted the importance of the scheme in delivering inclusive housing in Bath and reducing the need for out-of-area placements or inappropriate accommodation.

Statistics:

  • 16 specialist units will be provided with care and support for adults with learning disabilities.
  • 10 one-bedroom houses, 5 two-bedroom houses, 1 three-bedroom house, and 1 community hub will be part of the development.
  • Construction works are expected to start in July 2026.
  • The scheme is financed through a combination of rent-backed borrowing, service savings, a Homes England Grant, and S106 funds.
  • A 20% biodiversity net gain will be achieved through the development, exceeding mandatory requirements.

Sources:

  • "Work on an award-winning sustainable housing scheme aimed at transforming the lives of adults with learning disabilities is being considered by Bath & North East Somerset Council's cabinet," [Bath & North East Somerset Council, UK Government](https://www.government.uk/)
  • Councillor Alison Born's statement: "This is a landmark development for inclusive housing in Bath that will ensure vulnerable residents have the bespoke support and stability they need," [Bath & North East Somerset Council, UK Government](https://www.government.uk/)

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