A new later living village is being proposed in the Milton of Leys area of Inverness.
The courtyard development of 11 two-bedroom homes will form part of a multi-million pound care hub planned by Grantown-based Parklands Care Homes.
The single-storey properties will offer double and single bedrooms, living room with bay windows, kitchen/dining room, sun room, bathroom and storage. Each property will have a semi-private garden area and parking space.
Parklands said the homes will include high levels of thermal insulation and LED lighting throughout.
The new village will form part of a new care hub envisaged that will also include a 59-bed care home, which has already granted planning permission.
Work on the care home is likely to begin early next year once a preferred contractor is selected. If approved, it is hoped the village project will be built in tandem with the care home or shortly after. A playgroup for children also forms part of the care hub vision.
Parklands added that the proposed village development is designed to act as a ‘bridge’ between independent living and the care home sector. Residents will be able to access a range of social activities, cleaning, laundry and catering services offered by the care home, while leading otherwise independent lives.
Ron Taylor, MD of Parklands Care Homes said, “Since we were initially granted planning consent for the Milton of Leys site in 2018, our plans have evolved and we believe this new mix of care home provision and independent living better reflects the care needs of the local community. Our homes will be aimed at older people who, while able to lead relatively independent lives, feel they might benefit from the additional support of a professional care team. For those who ultimately require full time care support, the village will act as a stepping stone to our new care home.
“If successful, this is a model that we would like to roll out to other areas. More of us are living longer and fuller lives and the way we provide care for older people needs to be more flexible. Not only does this new model ensure older people can continue to live largely independent lives, it will help to release housing stock as the older generation downsizes This is a relatively new concept for the Highlands, not least because our care hub will also include a playgroup for local children. We think it will be hugely beneficial for the city and wider region.”
A planning application for the later living village has been submitted to The Highland Council.
