West Oxfordshire District Council planners have given the green light for a new care housing scheme to be built in a Cotswold market town.

The scheme is to be built in Rockhill, Chipping Norton, and will comprise of 80 apartments designed to meet the needs of the elderly.

Consisting of 40 one-bed and 40 two-bed apartments, the scheme will also offer a number of communal facilities including gardens, a dining area, lounges and activity areas.

Some of the apartments will be let at affordable rents and others will be available for shared ownership. Priority will be given to people who have a local connection to Chipping Norton and the surrounding area, then cascade to the whole of the west Oxfordshire district.

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The scheme was designed by Gloucester-based Quattro Design Architects, who specialise in sustainable and socially responsible architecture.

A care team will be available on site 24 hours a day, catering for people with a range of care needs. There will also be the flexibility to adjust the amount of care given, as people's needs change over time.

The site will be developed by specialist provider Housing and Care 21, and will receive £2.9m of funding from the Oxfordshire Growth Deal which is also backing a similar scheme in Great Western Park, Didcot.

West Oxfordshire District Council is also contributing additional funding of £300,000 to the project.

Councillor Jeff Haine, cabinet member for strategic housing and development, said: "As people are living longer, their care needs are growing.

"This scheme will allow many older people to continue to live independently, having any support they need on hand. This scheme will also allow them to stay involved with the local community that they have lived in for many years."