Barnet Homes’ sheltered housing scheme at Moreton Close in Mill Hill has been identified by the council as a potential development site for 50 one bedroom extra care flats for the social rent market.

The council’s strategic aim is to provide quality extra care housing and support service provision for older people with dementia in the borough. This is to enable people to live in their homes as independently as they can, avoiding costly and inappropriate residential care.

Representatives from the council and Barnet Homes held a meeting with the residents of Moreton Close on 22 August to explain the council’s proposals in detail and hold a question and answer session. Residents were told why Moreton Close had been identified as suitable for the new development and were assured that, if the proposal goes ahead, they will be assisted through every stage of their move to another property.

The new building will also be owned by the council and housing management will be carried out by Barnet Homes. If all goes to plan, it is anticipated that the building project would start on site next summer and complete in 2015/16.

Councillor Sachin Rajput, Cabinet Member for Adults, said: “These proposals are intended to address the needs of the borough’s ageing population and help people to live as independently as possible for as long as possible. There is currently a particular need for extra care housing, especially for people with dementia.

“The scheme is subject to approval by Cabinet Resources Committee and to the planning process, but residents currently living at Moreton Close will receive all the support they need.”

Tracey Lees, The Barnet Group’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to be part of this important initiative. Through providing suitable, flexible housing for people with dementia we are helping some of the most vulnerable people in Barnet to live life their way’.”

Karen Patten

Interim Head of Care and Support