Housing project for people with learning disabilities

Thursday May 19th 2016

Housing in Penicuik

Work is now underway on the building of twelve brand new council houses in Penicuik designed for people with a learning disability and additional care needs. Midlothian Provost Joe Wallace helped with the excavations at a visit to the site last week.

These purpose-built single storey houses in Eastfield in Penicuik are self-contained single person homes which have been individually designed to meet the needs of each prospective tenant. Four of the houses are being designed for people with additional physical disabilities.

Provost Joe Wallace said, “These houses are a substantial commitment by Midlothian Council and I am delighted to see that building is underway. The people who live in the houses will be a diverse group and their support will be tailored to their particular needs, strengths and interests. They will be supported to live independently in an environment that enables them to stay safe and take part in things in their local community.”

Eibhlin McHugh, Director of Midlothian Health & Social Care Partnership who also visited the building site, said, “The development represents a key element of the redesign of support for people with a learning disability in Midlothian and will support people, regardless of the level, range and complexity of need, to live independently in comfortable and homely surroundings with the same opportunities and choices as any other citizen.”

The Council is currently selecting a support provider for the residents. The tenants, their families, and carers will play a key role as partners in the selection process.

ESH Border Construction has been appointed to build the houses. Each property will have a living room/dining room, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, utility area and an enclosed garden. The building costs are £2.8million and works should be complete by February 2017.

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