The development will provide 73 self-contained, one- and two-bedroom apartments designed for people in later life, each featuring a modern open plan living, kitchen, dining area and bathroom.

Some 40 apartments will be available for affordable rent and 33 for shared ownership.

Cornell Court is being developed by L&Q Living in partnership with Uttlesford District Council, Essex County Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Keepmoat Regeneration, part of the ENGIE Group.

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Andy Baker, divisional director for Keepmoat Regeneration's London and Southern Region, said: "Keepmoat Regeneration is committed to providing innovative solutions to help clients meet the needs of their residents, as well as creating strong links with local suppliers and building meaningful relationships with the communities in which we work.

“We design homes for older people with longevity and accessibility in mind to ensure that our accommodation adapts easily with people's changing needs as they grow older, preventing a move later in life." 

L&Q Living will manage the scheme and offer 24/7 on-site emergency support.

The Cornell Court scheme is located opposite the Tesco superstore on Radwinter Road, adjacent to the Mandeville Place housing development.

The scheme has received over £3.5m in grant contributions and is part of Essex County Council's five-year, £27m countywide investment to create up to 1,800 new Independent Living homes for older people with care needs.