PLANS have been approved to invest £12m in new housing that will improve the quality of life for vulnerable residents.

Three new schemes for affordable housing for people living with autism, learning disabilities or physical disabilities were approved by Wigan Council's cabinet last week.

There will be 33 homes built at Hyndelle Lodge in Hindley, 31 homes at Ullswater Road in Golborne and 12 homes at Etherstone Street in Leigh.

The 76 homes will be finished by 2020 as part of the local authority's new build housing programme which aims to keep people independent in their own homes for longer.

Cllr Terry Halliwell, cabinet member for housing and welfare at the council, said: “Ultimately having the right home which meets your needs means people can live longer, happier and healthier lives. These developments are also brilliant at tackling social isolation and can be hubs for the whole community.

“We have seen brilliant specialist housing schemes recently completed at Mayfield and Little Lane and the residents there are happy and are getting the support they need to live independently but with a community around them.

“We are committed to building a high standard of accommodation that is well designed, attractive, and affordable for residents.

“These schemes offers a fantastic way to support people and keep them active in communities through The Deal.”

The homes in Hindley will include 12 apartments for residents with autism or learning disabilities, 14 apartments, six bungalows and one specialised family bungalow for adults with lower level learning disabilities. It was the former home to Amberswood Day Centre.

In Golborne, there will be 12 apartments and 19 bungalows.

The development in Leigh will provide homes in a specialist dementia residential centre for older people, taking advantage of the closeness of the dementia day care centre.

All homes will be let on affordable rents.

The investments are mainly funded through the council’s capital programme and will contribute to savings in the council’s health and social care budget in the future.

Funding for these schemes has also been secured from Homes England.

The council has also opened two supported housing schemes this year, Little Lane in Wigan for older people and Mayfield House in Orrell for residents with autism.

A new development on Holt Street for family housing has been completed too.

Cabinet also gave the go ahead for officers to look at the site where Walkden House is.

It was previously accommodation for older people but was no longer fit for purpose and the demolition of the building was approved last year.

Any proposals for this site would be subject to public consultation, planning permission and funding approval.