CONTROVERSIAL plans for an 'Extra Care' housing scheme will go ahead in Beaumaris after proposals were approved by Anglesey council executives today (Monday.)

The Isle of Anglesey County Council members agreed that the new facility should be located on the Beaumaris School site, to serve the Seiriol area.

It will be funded through the Housing Revenue Account. The decision followed engagement with the local community and a recent deliberation by the Corporate Scrutiny Committee.

The new facility will form part of the county council’s commitment to ensuring that older residents are able to live independently and safely in their own communities for a long as possible.

Council leader and social services portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi said: “A need for Extra Care housing in the South of Anglesey was identified as far back as October 2015, with Seiriol earmarked as the preferred location.”

“We’ve carried out extensive work to identify the best possible site to develop Extra Care Housing within the Seiriol area. The Beaumaris school site, whilst not perfect, was chosen as our favoured location given its close proximity to the local community and amenities such as public transport, shops and health centre.”

“We recognise there has been opposition to the school site, but there is no doubt that it is the best possible choice for a brand new Extra Care housing facility to serve the residents of South Anglesey.”

Anglesey’s head of adult services Alwyn Jones added: “This is a positive step forward for the south of the Island. It will not only meet our commitment to ensuring older people in the Seiriol area can live independently for as long as possible, but will also alleviate pressures on the authority’s housing stock and thereby help younger people secure housing in the town.”

“Whilst I welcome today’s decision, we must now await the outcome of the consultation regarding the future of Beaumaris School. The Extra Care development could be built behind the school building or as part of an integrated development, if the school remains open, ensuring effective use of the land.”

“However, we remain committed to working with local residents as the development progresses with every effort made to ensure that the site is accessible for older people. We will build close ties with the town, by creating additional paths and community transport links as well as focussing on creating a communal feel through various community events.”

Anglesey’s Housing portfolio holder, Cllr Alun Mummery added: “This is a great opportunity for the council’s Housing Services. As an Authority, we are well aware that there is a need for more social housing on the Island.

"This Extra Care facility is a positive step in increasing our housing stock and forms part of our long term plan to boost our stock by at least 500 properties over the next 30 years.”