CGI impression of the new apartment complex for older people set to be built in the Penshaw area of Sunderland by Vistry Partnerships North East.
CGI impression of the apartment complex to be built by Vistry Partnerships North East.

North East housing developer welcomes planning approval for over-55s accommodation

A North East housing developer has welcomed the approval of plans for specialist housing for the over 55s.

The proposals from developer Vistry Partnerships North East will see 72 one-bedroomed and two-bedroomed apartments built on land in the Penshaw area of Sunderland.

All of the apartments will be affordable, offering much-needed accommodation for older people in the area.

The plans will also see a walled garden restored and brought back into use as a communal garden for apartment residents, alongside a communal lounge and 52 car parking spaces, including disabled bays.

Andrew Rennie, development director, Vistry Partnerships North East, said: “This is an exciting project that is addressing the need for accommodation of this type in the region.

“We are confident that the development will become an integral part of the community and the addition of the shared garden and indoor spaces, will help foster community spirit.”

James Hall, partner at Barton Willmore’s Newcastle office, who submitted the proposals, added: “These plans will provide specialist accommodation of a kind which is in very short supply in the region.

“High quality, accessible apartments of this type and size which cater for the needs of older people are currently few and far between so this development will help fulfil a largely unmet need, particularly since they will be affordable homes.

“The fact that the location is accessible to public transport is good both for the convenience of the apartment complex’s future residents and Sunderland’s drive to promote sustainable travel.”

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