FOUR bungalows for elderly people will be built on the former army camp site in Jurby.

The Department of Social Care announced plans for the new buildings after gaining approval at the March sitting of Tynwald.

Tynwald approved £755,000 for the whole project which includes the cost of building the houses and infrastructure and landscaping costs.

Minister Martyn Quale MHK said: "I wish to re-affirm that my department and this government remains wholly committed to providing good housing to meet the needs of local people.

"This scheme will provide four new bungalows for the department's estate which will be specifically designed to meet the needs of our older public sector housing tenants, freeing up their current housing for families who are on the housing waiting list in the north of the Island.

"The scheme includes additional costs for infrastructure, services and landscaping as required by the independent planning inspector but this is a wise investment as it will provide longer term benefit, facilitating future housing development in the area."

Bill Henderson MHK, political member for housing, said: "The investment in this scheme will provide a longer term benefit for future housing development in the area.

"Government's substantial investment over a sustained period is a significant achievement which has made a positive difference to the lives of thousands in our Island community.

"The next 20 years will include many challenges which will require further changes to the Island's housing stock and government policies. The four properties will provide additional affordable housing for rent and become part of the department housing stock for older tenants." 

The scheme will utilise government owned land and will not require any additional staff to progress the project or manage the properties.  Funding for maintenance will be raised from rental income. 

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