PLANS for a residential complex for older people in Penarth have taken a step forward.

Wales & West Housing (WWH) has entered into a partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council after the authority agreed to lease land for the proposed facility.

If built, the complex will provide housing, social care and, if the health board agrees, on-site health provision.

A 3.6-acre site near Myrtle Close has been chosen as the area where the complex will be built, subject to planning permission.

It would be close to Oak Court, an existing WWH older persons’ residential facility, and Tŷ Dewi Sant, a council-run dementia care home.

Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, Vale of Glamorgan Council cabinet member for housing and building services, said: "This project promises to be a fine example of what can be achieved by agencies working in partnership.

"A modern, state-of-the-art development, this complex will provide high-quality accommodation for older members of our community.

"Locating it near existing older persons’ provision will also perform an important social function by helping to create a community feel, adding to the quality of life for those that live there."

The council will run the independent living component, while WWH will be in charge of building an 'extra care' residential block.

Shayne Hembrow, deputy chief executive of Wales & West Housing Group, said: “This is great step forward for the project. We’re looking forward to working in partnership with the Vale of Glamorgan Council on this important development for older people in the Penarth area.

"As part of the development we’ll be seeking planning permission to build 70 modern, high-quality apartments where older people can live independently but feel safe in the knowledge they will have care, support and health facilities on their doorstep."