MP Praises New Extra-Care Scheme

Loughborough MP Nicky Morgan has praised emh group, one of the East Midlands’ leading providers of affordable housing and care, for meeting the needs of an ageing population and helping them to remain independent.

The MP gave her positive endorsement at the official opening of Waterside Court in Loughborough on 9 July. Overlooking the canal on Derby Road near the town centre, the extra-care scheme comprises 62 self-contained apartments for rent for people aged 55 and over with care and support needs, although younger people with a disability are also welcome.

The £15.6m development, on the site of a former bus depot, also includes 20 homes for affordable rent and 14 shared ownership properties. The total scheme costs were met by emh group with contributions from Charnwood Borough Council, Leicestershire County Council, and Homes England.

Mrs Morgan was given a private tour of Waterside Court, which has additional facilities to promote independent living – including an arts and crafts room, cinema, hairdresser, microshop, and wheelchair-friendly gardens – all of which are accessible to the public to create strong links with the local community.

“Housing is important because everybody needs somewhere to call home,” said the MP. “Somewhere we can feel safe, secure and supported at every stage of our lives. To deliver new homes requires strong partnerships, and given the strength of their relationships, it is no surprise that emh group, Charnwood Borough Council, and Leicestershire County Council have created a calm oasis for the older people of Loughborough here at Waterside Court.”

Chan Kataria, Chief Executive of emh group, said: “I am extremely proud of this scheme, which provides people with independent living along with care and support tailored to meet their specific needs.

“The residents thoroughly enjoyed meeting Nicky and she spoke to them at length. As the local MP we are delighted that she officially opened the scheme.

“Waterside Court would not have possible without our partners, such as the local authorities and Homes England, and I am thankful to each and every one of them for their commitment to the scheme.

“As one of Homes England’s eight new strategic partners, we have secured £30.5m which will see us build around 600 affordable new homes every year for the next four years. This will enable us to deliver three more extra-care schemes over the next five years, as well as a range of other types of homes.”

Councillor Lee Breckon, assistant cabinet member for adult social care at Leicestershire County Council, said: “Our £1.56m investment in Waterside Court underlines our commitment to extra-care in the county. We are developing extra-care housing as a priority as we know that living in suitable accommodation with flexible care available, when needed, is such an important part of a person’s wellbeing. We are working closely with our district partners in developing options for housing needs in the future.”