Sefton Council has approved plans from Liverpool-based developer and architect Group D for an ‘innovative’ later-living community on Sandy Road in Seaforth.

The development will deliver 63 apartments for specialist provider, Housing 21, and is the first of three affordable housing projects that Group D has in the pipeline for sites in Sefton.

Following the completion of its Dye House development in Knowsley, Group D progressed the scheme in consultation with Sefton Council, resulting in a design that received no objections. The proposal is intended to support independent living while incorporating shared spaces to encourage community interaction.

Patrick Taft, director of Group D, says: “From the outset we set out with a determination to create a community, and a sense of place that gives residents their own personal space, but also attractive spaces for socialising, relaxation and recreation. Often housing for older people has a functional and institutional feel that doesn’t recognise or balance people’s twin need for privacy and belonging.

“Design detail and sensitivity are critically important to us, and being able to safeguard design quality and originality is the main reason why Group D has evolved from an architectural practice into a development company.

“We believe it’s really important that design fosters a sense of connection to the local community and neighbourhood, as well as to the natural world. Letting in light and nature is so important to human wellbeing, and it’s been a guiding principle for this project.

“The south facing communal garden has been conceived and designed as an inviting and animated natural space at the heart of a community, not just a piece of functional landscaping.”

Group D is progressing two further affordable housing schemes in Sefton. The company said that collaboration with Sefton Council and Housing 21 has played a key role in advancing the projects through the planning process.

James Lawton from Housing 21 adds: “There is a strong synergy between ourselves and Group D in terms of our approach to place making and home making. We are delighted to be moving forward with them on this project, but are also excited by the potential of our future collaboration.

“We are an aging society and we need to be more thoughtful and imaginative in how we provide homes for our residents, and how they integrate into thriving and sustainable neighbourhoods.”

Group D and Housing 21 expect to be on site before the end of March, with the first residents moving into their new homes in 2028.

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