New Inspirational Achievement: Places for People's partnership approach behind Lavender View extra care scheme in Norfolk

Lavender View in Hunstanton, Norfolk, is a flagship extra care housing scheme delivered by Places for People (PfP) in close partnership with Norfolk County Council (NCC). Designed by Langtry Langton and built by Lovell Partnerships, the scheme handed over 61 high-quality affordable rent apartments on 17 August 2026, marking the start of a new community for older people in the town.

This Inspirational Achievement sets out how PfP and NCC worked together from the earliest stages of the build, establishing monthly meetings with delivery partners, including on-site care provider Radis, to coordinate mobilisation and resolve issues collaboratively. Early, face-to-face engagement with the local community ran alongside the council's educational campaign on later-life housing options, helping to build a shared expressions of interest list of around 100 people a full year before opening.

A central feature of the approach was a show apartment, furnished with example furniture and assistive technology from partners Just Imagine and Tunstall, which gave prospective residents the chance to experience the scheme's design first-hand. Partners also piloted a new joint assessment pathway, offering a direct council triage route followed by a single joint assessment with all three partners at the show home, rather than multiple separate appointments.

Drawing on feedback from residents and professionals throughout, the piece demonstrates how coordinated partnership working, clear information and meaningful engagement can transform the pathway into extra care housing, giving older people greater choice, dignity and confidence in later life.

Click through to read the full Inspirational Achievement feature.