A NEW development in Weymouth will provide affordable housing for people with learning disabilities.

A total of 15 flats are set for completion this month thanks to Bournemouth Churches Housing Association (BCHA).

They provide affordable housing for people with learning difficulties, enabling them to live more independent lives within the community.

The one-bedroom flats, situated near Carlton Road North, are self-contained with fully fitted kitchens and spacious living areas.

Within the development there is also a communal lounge to encourage socialising and a sense of community among residents.

BCHA and Spetisbury Construction Ltd held a ‘topping out’ ceremony to mark the completion of the external construction.

Colin Salisman, head of development and property services at BCHA, said: “It is great to reach this milestone after all the time spent planning this development, and to celebrate all of the hard work that has gone into this construction.

“It is a fantastic development, the flats will not only provide more affordable housing in Weymouth, they will also play a key role in providing independence to people.”

Alison Waller, commissioning and improvement manager for adult social care at Dorset County Council, said: “People with learning disabilities now look for and require as much independence as possible.

“Accommodation and support services for people with a learning disability have developed greatly in the past few years to meet changing needs and expectations.

“This is part of a wider trend away from institutional and segregated care homes, towards the kind of support where people have choice and control over the services they receive.”

BCHA is a specialist housing and social care support provider, which helps homeless, vulnerable and other people access the right housing, health, learning and work opportunities.

For details visit bcha.org.uk