COUNCIL bosses have revealed plans for 33 new homes for older people to be built on the site of a Clifton community centre.

The new homes will become an extension to Marjorie Waite Court extra care scheme, and will be built on what is currently Burton Stone Community Centre.

The £6.667 million development will consist of 29 new extra care - or ultra sheltered housing - apartments, plus four two-bedroomed bungalows.

Up to ten of them could be sold on a shared ownership basis, helping older homeowners - 80 per cent of whom own their own home in York – to move to more appropriate accommodation, a council spokesman said.

Cllr Sam Lisle, City of York’s executive member for housing, said: “This proposal will add to the type and quality of the accommodation we are planning to meet future need from our older residents.

“With over 80 per cent of older households owning their own home, for the first time in a council-build care scheme, we will make homes available to buy on a shared ownership basis.

"This will further help older owners to downsize to a home that is more suited to their changing needs.”

The proposal is part of the council’s wider programme overhauling care and housing for older people in York.

A spokesman said the scheme’s tenants, local residents and groups using the Burton Stone Community Centre site were consulted and their feedback has helped shape the plans.

New community facilities will also be built to meet the needs of local people, groups and Marjorie Waite Court tenants, while some of the existing users of the Burton Stone centre will move to new facilities at Burnholme, in Tang Hall.

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the environment, said a “modern sustainable community base” would make Marjorie Waite Court a meeting place for “young and old alike”.

At the moment, Burton Stone Community Centre is running at a loss and could cost the council £500,000 over the next five years, the report adds.

Local groups like Reflex Dance Club will be able to move from the old community centre to the new facilities built as part of the extra care complex.

Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for adult social care and health, said: “York’s population of residents aged 75 and over is expected to increase by 50 per cent by the year 2030, and this proposal will make a significant contribution to providing much-needed and high quality extra care in the city.”

A report on the plans will be discussed and could be approved at a City of York Council executive meeting next week.