New strategy will support older people to continue to live independent lives

Bury Council plans to work with partners to deliver up to 5 new extra care housing schemes by 2035.

It’s all part of a new 10-year Extra Care Housing Strategy to help older residents live independently, safely and with dignity.

Extra care housing is a type of specialist housing for older people that combines independent living with care and support.

It is aimed at people aged 55 or above or people who may need some level of care or support now or in the future.

Residents have their own front door, kitchen, and living space with communal facilities such as lounges, gardens or social spaces.

It allows people to:

• Live in their own self‑contained home or flat
• Keep their independence and privacy
• Access care and support when needed

Bury Council will work with housing providers, developers and care partners to deliver up to five new extra care housing schemes by 2035, to meet growing demand, increase choice, and enable residents to continue to live in their neighbourhoods.

Potential planned locations include Prestwich, Whitefield, Tottington and Ramsbottom and areas with higher older populations, notably north and west Bury, with good access to transport, shops, and health services being a top priority.

The Extra Care Strategy, which has been developed with key stakeholders including the Bury Older People’s Network, will also:

• Focus on helping people stay independent for longer, delaying the need for residential care placements, and reducing hospital admissions
• Deliver high-quality, accessible homes built to recognised design standards
• Introduce clearer allocation processes aligned with wider housing policy and create dedicated waiting lists to better track need and demand
• Improve public awareness and marketing, helping people plan for later life
• Review older sheltered housing stock and consider refurbishment, remodelling, or replacement with modern extra care housing

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Care said: “Extra care housing is more than accommodation – it creates communities that offer safety, connection and tailored support.

“It’s key to making sure we reduce avoidable admissions to hospital and residential care, making sure our residents can continue to live independently with dignity and that we support their wellbeing.”

Councillor Ayesha Arif Housing added: “We currently have three extra care developments in the borough that are working well to provide care and support and deliver valued services for residents. We know there is high demand. particularly in areas where older people live. It’s important to our residents to continue to live in the communities they have grown up in or known. Those areas are a priority for the strategy.”

The Extra Care Strategy is available here: Extra Care Housing Strategy 2026 - 2036 - Bury Council