Independent living schemes
Thanks to advances in medicine and more active lifestyles, our population of older residents look set to grow over the coming decades. In response to this, we are building future-proofed accommodation to help people live independently, with social and care services on hand should they need it.
Independent living gives residents a safe and secure home with their own front door but whilst also being surrounded by a like-minded community.
We are investing in these schemes to make sure we have the right housing available for our older residents, most of whom want to live independently for as long as possible.
Why choose independent living?
- support to help you remain in your home for as long as possible
- can prevent or delay placement in residential care
- provides a secure environment
- make friends with people of a similar age with similar interests
- plenty of opportunities to take part in on-site activities
- modern homes that are low maintenance
These are the schemes we currently operate.
All Saints View (Houghton Regis)
All Saints View, in Houghton Regis – Phase One is now complete and applications are now open for a brand new scheme providing 168 smart-living apartments and on-site amenities in the heart of Houghton Regis.
Priory View (Dunstable)
Priory View, in Dunstable – an award-winning vibrant community building close to the centre of Dunstable which opened in 2016.
Steppingley Road
The scheme will offer apartments for affordable rent and shared ownership. The building is being built to Passivhaus standards and will be super energy efficient.
Consisting of 88 one and two-bedroom self-contained apartments for the over 55s. The apartment building has been designed to build a sense of community and friendship between residents and the wider community. Crucially, each resident will have their own front door with a balcony or terrace, with options to access care according to their needs. There will also be private recreational places to relax, including a shared resident-only lounge and roof gardens. Shared community facilities include a pub-style café, hair and beauty salon, function rooms and dedicated space for the use of health professionals.
All apartments will be designed for accessibility and suitable for wheelchair users, with five apartments designed to a higher wheelchair standard. Apartments will be easily adaptable to changing needs.
Find out more about Steppingley Road
Greenfields (Leighton Buzzard)
PeabodyHousing Association operates Greenfields, in Leighton Buzzard which is an independent living scheme providing 82 self-contained and spacious one and two-bedroom apartments for people aged 55 and over, and who may want the option of receiving extra care. All apartments have a level-access shower room, a lounge and a kitchen. The development has a wonderful sense of community and a range of modern facilities including guest suites, a restaurant, treatment rooms, computer and hobby rooms, landscaped gardens and other communal spaces.
Greenfields, Leighton Buzzard
Find out more about Catalyst Housing Group's independent living schemes
Quince Court (Sandy)
Grand Union Housing Group runs Quince Court, in Sandy. The scheme was recently extended, providing 25 new apartments and provides quality homes for the over 55s.
Find out more about Grand Union Housing Group's independent living schemes.
Chamomile Gardens (Biggleswade)
Grand Union Housing Group is developing Chamomile Gardens, in Biggleswade. The scheme, which is due to open in autumn 2022, will provide 25 shared ownership and 68 social rent apartments, exclusively for the over 55s. The homes offer independent living with tailored care and support and benefit from being in close proximity to shops and the town centre.
For more details on the scheme, view or download Chamomile Gardens' brochure (PDF) or contact Grand Union Housing Group: sorrelgardens@guhg.co.uk.
Questions and answers
How old do I have to be to be considered for independent living?
The minimum age for independent living is 55. There is no upper age limit.
Will there be disabled access?
Yes, all schemes are accessible for wheelchair users.
What are the tenancy options?
It does depend on your chosen scheme however there are options for affordable rent and shared ownership.
Will there be service charges and if so, what do they cover?
Yes, there will be costs associated with maintaining the communal areas including fire alarms, emergency lighting, cleaning, gardening and building insurance. There will also be a wellbeing/care charge.
Will costs be reviewed?
Yes, the costs will be reviewed annually, and information will be sent to the residents in advance of any changes.
More information is available by clicking the links to the dedicated pages for each scheme.