Meeting the housing and support needs of an ageing population 

The population of older people in Melton borough is projected to grow steadily over the next two decades. As part of its strategic focus to support the housing needs of an ageing population, Melton Borough Council is considering the most appropriate future for its own older persons’ housing services in the borough.   

These schemes play a vital role in helping residents maintain independence and to live and age well in their communities. Working with experts from the Housing Learning and Improvement Network, an initial review of the Council’s three sheltered housing schemes and one older person's housing scheme in Melton Mowbray has been undertaken. The evidence-based review has involved engagement with council staff, councillors, stakeholders and tenants and further work and engagement will be required before any final decisions are made.  

The review highlights the need to invest in and modernise two of the sheltered housing schemes, Bradgate Flats and Wilton Court. Investment is required to bring the buildings in line with modern standards, with improvements to the facilities in the communal areas and gardens, to better meet the needs of both the current and future tenants. 

At their meeting on 19th November 2025, Cabinet gave their support for the investment, and detailed plans of how this will be implemented will be included in Housing Asset Management Plan, which will be considered by Councillors as part of the normal budget setting process in the New Year alongside a range of other investments and improvements to council homes across the borough.  

Whilst it is not in need of modernisation, the initial review has also identified the need to explore options to best meet the needs of tenants who choose to make Granby House their home. This work will be undertaken over the next 6-12 months and will involve continued engagement with tenants to inform options and recommendations for the future.  

The Council’s Extra Care Scheme, Gretton Court provides tailored support for older people with more complex care needs. Noting its significance as the only extra care housing scheme in the borough, Cabinet have committed to take great care to understand the options for the future, ensuring that it remains a housing option of choice for older residents, enabling people to live and age well. This work will be undertaken over the next 6-12 months and will be detailed, wide ranging and involve extensive engagement with tenants, families and stakeholders before any options or recommendations for the future are considered.  

Cabinet have confirmed their support for the next steps in this review which includes a comprehensive commitment to ongoing engagement with tenants throughout this process.  

Cllr Pip Allnatt, Leader of the Council, said “Our priority is to safeguard the future of each of these housing schemes. We want people to be able to live and age well in Melton, and our review is part of that commitment. We are pleased to be taking steps to invest in and modernise our sheltered housing schemes, and we look forward to planning for this over the coming months. 

“We wish to ensure the vital services at Granby House and Gretton Court remain in the borough and those living there get the most suitable support for their needs, we need to make sure that we have all the information available to make the right decisions about the future of these schemes. 

“I wish to assure tenants and their families that we are doing this with their wellbeing and views in mind to ensure that housing for our older residents meets their needs, is affordable and will stand the test of time. We will continue to engage with the tenants ensuring that their voices are heard in the decision-making process”