New supported-living scheme on the way
Work is due to start this winter on the development of a new council-run supported-living scheme providing long-term affordable accommodation for people with physical disabilities and brain injuries.
The plans for redevelopment of the Knoll House site in Ingram Crescent, Hove received unanimous approval at the planning committee in July 2023.
Work is now starting on tendering for contractors the development, with the aim of getting work started on site this coming winter.
Independent living
Designed by architects PRP, the Knoll House redevelopment will provide 28 apartments for independent living, together with associated communal space, and accommodation for staff to provide 24-hour care and support on-site
All the apartments have been designed to be wheelchair accessible, with dual-aspect orientations, to ensure optimal levels of daylight, privacy and shading.
The building’s balconies will provide outdoor space while also serving a practical purpose for temperature regulation.
The design also improves accessibility to the site's existing pathways, further integrating the building with the local environment.
Reducing carbon
The development has been designed to be energy efficient to reduce energy consumption and save residents money on bills.
This includes air source heat pumps and heat interface units for efficient communal heating helping, alongside active measures such as low-energy lighting, mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and energy efficient appliances.
Trellises and climber plants will be integrated on the building's walls and landscaping will include native planting, a range of communal outdoor spaces such as roof gardens for interaction and wellbeing.
Raised planters will also be built across the scheme to allow residents to enjoy maintenance of the garden and grow vegetables or flowers.
Fantastic homes
Councillor Tristram Burden, chair of the Adult Social Care & Public Health Sub-Committee said: “I’m excited to see the plans for new supported living homes on the Knoll House site coming on.
“We’ve listened to residents in the area about the redevelopment plans for the site, and I’m happy to see the proposal for specialist long-term accommodation approved.
“The development will not only deliver much-needed supported housing for city residents with disabilities, but also fantastic affordable and sustainable homes that will enhance the local area.”