Pembrokeshire Housing Association has started work on a cutting-edge scheme for the elderly in Milford Haven.

The Extra Care Housing Scheme will see 48 self-contained flats being built at The Grove, in Steynton, along with communal facilities including a restaurant, lounges, library and IT services.

The new development, which is scheduled for completion in December next year, will be only the second of its kind in the county, alongside Pembrokeshire Housing’s existing scheme at Merlins Bridge, and is one of only a handful throughout Wales.

Peter Maggs, chief executive of Pembrokeshire Housing, said: “We are delighted that work is underway on this new development which will see us deliver a cutting edge yet sympathetic scheme which will benefit the elderly community in Milford Haven, in an area which we believe is most in need of such a premium development.

“When people talk about the housing crisis, the elderly is one section of the community which regularly get overlooked, so it gives us enormous pleasure to be able to provide a facility that will go someway towards addressing this situation in Pembrokeshire.”

Assembly member for Preseli Pembrokeshire, Paul Davies, gave the development his seal of approval.

He said: “Everyone should have good housing, a safe environment and an adequate income.

“It is these conditions that allow individuals, families and communities to flourish.

“As well as meeting the housing needs of our young people, we must ensure that we also look after our older people’s housing needs as well, and I believe that the Extra Care Housing Scheme does just that.

“Extra Care Housing offers an environment in which care and support is close at hand but where an independent lifestyle can be retained as far as possible.”

Formed in 1981, Pembrokeshire Housing is the largest housing association in the county.