THE foundations for a new housing scheme to provide homes for the over 50s and people with dementia, mental health issues and learning difficulties have been laid.

Tees Valley Housing’s new development, the Eston Care Village, which is located in Lodge Farm Road, Eston, will feature 38 one bedroom apartments across four buildings.

The apartments have been specially designed to provide a high quality environment for people with dementia, mental health issues and learning difficulties.

Cllr David Walsh, cabinet member for adults at Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council said: "I really welcome this development. People with dementia or mental health issues should not have to live in the shadows or in sub-standard accommodation, but instead in a thriving, human centred living environment.

“This development - which I hope will be the first of many - will go a long way to realising that ambition."

Tees Valley Housing is working in partnership with Redcar & Cleveland Council, which will manage lettings of the 51 new homes.

Martin Hawthorne, director of development and regeneration for Thirteen, the parent company for Tees Valley Housing, said: “Eston Care Village will create an important provision for the local area, which will deliver high quality, modern homes that will meet the needs of residents who will benefit from its specialist features.”

The build is expected to be completed by September 2016.