Upon completion, the scheme will consist of 107 brand-new Independent Community Living homes for individuals aged 55 and over with additional care needs.
Marking the start of works with a traditional ‘breaking ground’ ceremony on Wednesday 28th May 2025, attendees included Councillor Thomas and Councillor Wilby from Norfolk County Council, Councillor Sacks from South Norfolk and Broadland District Council, James Francis, CEO at Saffron Housing Trust, and Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director at Lovell.
Norfolk County Council has provided £4.37m of capital funding to support the scheme named by local children and now known as The Oaks - as part of its Independent Community Living programme to build more modern, attractive, and sustainable homes for later life across the County. Funding has also been awarded to the development by Homes England.
As part of a wider housing development being created on the site, the Independent Community Living will deliver a mix of one and two bed affordable apartments and shared ownership bungalows. On-site, 24/7 care and support will enable people to remain independent in a home of their choice.
Facilities on site will include a hairdressing salon and communal gardens. Further information, including how to apply to rent an apartment at the scheme, or purchase a shared ownership property, will be published prior to the scheme being completed in the autumn of 2027.
Cllr Thomas, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care in Norfolk, said: “I’m delighted to see work begin on The Oaks. We’ve been working hard to bring more Independent Living schemes to Norfolk, and thanks to the efforts of Saffron Housing Trust and our other partners we’ll soon be able to offer people in Harleston a new home in a friendly community that will offer peace of mind with personalised care and support on site.”
James Francis, Chief Executive Officer at Saffron Housing Trust, said: “Today marks the exciting start of works on our biggest Independent Community Living scheme to date. Upon completion, The Oaks will not only provide good quality, affordable and much needed independent living homes, but enable residents to live safely with the care they may need, whilst retaining their independence in a thriving community.”
Simon Medler, Regional Managing Director at Lovell, said: “Working with Saffron Housing Trust, we are building high quality housing suitable for later life and creating a community where like-minded people can enjoy living peacefully in lovely apartments and independent living homes. We look forward to unveiling these homes in the stunning location of Harleston soon.”
Speaking on behalf of Homes England, Nick Enge, Senior Growth Manager, said “As the Government’s housing and regeneration agency, increasing the supply of quality affordable homes remains one of our key objectives and we are committed to supporting Saffron Housing Trust to achieve their ambitions.
This independent living community in Harleston is a key example of how the agency works collaboratively with partners, through the Affordable Homes Programme, to achieve our mission to build much needed new communities that people can be proud to call home.”