AN application to build a new multi-million pound care home in the Cotswolds has been approved by council chiefs

The extra care housing scheme to be built in Rockhill, Chipping Norton, has been approved by West Oxfordshire District Council, which is also contributing additional funding of £300,000.

The new scheme, from developers Housing and Care 21, includes 80 extra care homes - 40 one-bed and 40 two-bed apartments - all designed to meet the needs of elderly people.

The scheme, being built on land at Rockhill Farm, London Road, has received £2.9m of funding from the Oxfordshire Growth Deal which is also backing a similar scheme in Great Western Park, Didcot.

The care home is set to offer a number of communal facilities including gardens, a dining area, lounges and hobby, activity areas.

Some of the apartments will be let at affordable rents and others will be available for shared ownership.

Priority will be given to people who have a local connection to Chipping Norton and the surrounding area, before applications from the whole district are considered.

Extra care housing enables older people with care and support needs to live independently in self-contained accommodation. A care team will be available on site 24 hours a day, catering for people with a range of needs from low care needs to high care needs. There will also be the flexibility to adjust the amount of care given, as people’s needs change over time.

Councillor Jeff Haine, cabinet member for strategic housing and development, said: “As people are living longer, their care needs are growing.

"This scheme will allow many older people to continue to live independently, having any support they need on hand.

"This scheme will also allow them to stay involved with the local community that they have lived in for many years.”

The application was approved, subject to conditions.