WINCHESTER’S £16m extra care development has been shortlisted for a national award.

The news was announced at a city council meeting this week where leader Caroline Horrill said she would seek new extra care development opportunities after the completion of Chesil Lodge.

Residents have begun moving into the 52-flat Chesil Street development for over-55s.

Cllr Horrill told councillors: “To date 26 residents have moved into Chesil Lodge with a further four residents due to move in shortly. Understandably, demand for the scheme is very high.

“The two market sale flats sold very quickly and five of the six shared ownership flats are now occupied. The sixth one is sold subject to contract.

“Chesil Lodge has been shortlisted for the Inside Housing Development Awards to be announced later in the year. I’m sure this will be the first of many such nominations.”

Following a question from recently converted Conservative councillor Jamie Scott, Cllr Horrill added: “We are talking to Hampshire County Council about trying to do another scheme. We will look for more opportunities. That will also ensure we can free up other accommodation in our stock.”

At a previous council meeting, Cllr Horrill confirmed that as a result of the building delays, the authority would be seeking to recover money through a claim for liquidated ascertained damages, with potentially lost rental income of £253,000 forming part of it.