THE go ahead has been given to phase one of a two-year, £24m investment programme to develop around 100 assisted-living units for people with learning and physical disabilities.

At his latest decision day on November 9, Hampshire County Council leader Roy Perry approved phase one of the scheme, with a financial commitment of £14.6m. This stage of the project will create five developments, providing accommodation in one bedroom or studio flats with supporting communal spaces for staff and group activities, for 63 people with learning disabilities and/or physical disabilities currently receiving adult social care support.

Mr Perry said: “The way people with disabilities wish to live their lives is changing. Our clients increasingly want to live as independently as possible, moving away from traditional residential care.

“The approach we are taking is to create modern alternative forms of accommodation which place much more emphasis on people being supported within their own individual homes, enabling them to access the local community and supporting people to be active citizens, engaging in work and learning in their local area.”

Subject to planning permission, phase one of the programme will see the following developments in place by March 2018:

* Chineham, Basingstoke – a new-build development in Great Binfields Road, comprising 18 one-bedroom flats;

* Winklebury, Basingstoke – a new development on the former Newman Basset site, comprising two three-bedroom bungalows for people with profound physical disabilities;

* New Milton – a new development on land off Forest Oak Drive, comprising 18 one-bedroom flats;

* Aldershot – a new development in Church Lane East, comprising 10 one-bedroom flats.

The site of the fifth development in Winchester is currently being determined.

Hampshire County Council will own the schemes and work in partnership with a registered social landlord to run the buildings.

The county council will procure 24/7 care and support to meet the needs of the residents within each development.

Phase two of the scheme is expected to involve the development of two or three further schemes comprising 30-35 housing units by March 2019.