Councillors have approved plans for a new dementia care complex in Elgin, hailing the modern 30-home development as a “sign of the times”.
The modern facility will be built at Thornhill Drive, and the homes will be served by an on-site care facility, cafe, and office.
The buildings will be arranged around a communal courtyard, and staff will be on hand around the clock to ensure residents’ safety.
Building work will now being early next year.
A spokesman for Elgin’s Springfield Housing Group, who is behind the plans with Glasgow-based Kraft Architects, said it was “great news” the development had been approved.
He added: “It’s great news that we’ve achieved planning consent for the facility, and we have set a site start of January.
“This will be a state of the art complex, designed to aide housing of the area’s older citizens.”
During yesterday’s meeting, the council’s planning and regulatory services committee heard that residents would be offered a level of care “similar to that in sheltered housing”.
Council convener Allan Wright said: “This application demonstrates an appreciation of the demographic of Moray, and recognises the need to care for an increasing number of people suffering from dementia.
“We are very keen for people to stay in their own accommodation for as long as possible, rather than having them sent to care homes.
“I think this development is a sign of the times.”
Each of the 30 proposed units, which can be adapted to meet individual needs, will feature two bedrooms with a bathroom, kitchen and living room area.
During discussion on the development Fochabers Lhanbryde councillor Margo Howe voiced fears about residents being “corralled” behind high fences.
But committee chair Chris Tuke advised members that it was common for dementia care facilities to be secured in such a way, to ensure patient safety.