A disability and mental health charity plans to redevelop its existing site to create 46 new accessible homes in Gloucester.

Barnwood Trust, which as the name might suggest is based in Barnwood, has submitted a planning application for neighbourhood housing at Manor Gardens, which fronts Barnwood Road.

Due to begin in 2020, the flagship project looks to invest in its historic site which dates back more than 200 years.

The Trust added that the project will showcase high-quality contemporary and accessible home design, with shared space for socialising and the opportunity for a supportive community to grow.

The application outlines plans for 40 one and two-bedroom apartments; four three-bedroom houses; and two three-bedroom dorma-bungalows in Newstead Road.

The new development will replace 23 obsolete one-bedroom flats, some workshops and garages, and also Wheatstone House.

The 18 existing two-bedroom bungalows at Manor Gardens will remain and they are currently being renovated ahead of the proposed building work.

Lawrence Miller, who is overseeing the project, said: "We hope to build a number of new homes on the site that will be spacious, light and airy with ample accessibility for those with limited mobility, giving a roomier feel than usual.

"Both the newly renovated bungalows and the newly built homes at Manor Gardens will benefit from a leafy and relaxed environment which we hope will enhance wellbeing for people who live there."

Homes will be available to rent, with a mix of market-rate and subsidised-rates being offered.

The redevelopment will be phased to enable all existing residents to stay, and by working together with the people who will live there, the Trust hopes to build a welcoming and inclusive feel to the site, promoting strong relationships between neighbours and a sense of wellbeing.

Mr Miller added: "A vibrant, close-knit community will likely include a diverse range of people, and enjoying community life together will mean building on the strengths of each individual.

"Looking out for one another, getting involved in things that you really care about, and doing a lot of what you love, will all be a part of what makes life good at Manor Gardens."

Chief executive of the Trust, Sally Byng, said: "The timing feels pertinent for a building project like this one. The Government's strategy for tackling loneliness, a connected society, recognises the importance of strong and meaningful social connections.

"At Manor Gardens, we hope to nurture a thriving community as an exemplar of how spaces and places can impact on a good life for everybody."

Speaking for Gloucestershire County Council, Mary Morgan said: "We are pleased to be working with local partners Barnwood Trust to support the development of an innovative neighbourhood model of housing with care at Manor Gardens.

"Together, we are exploring ways of linking up housing, flexible care options and the strengths of the local community, in line with our 'Housing with Care' strategy for Gloucestershire."

Barnwood Trust is a charitable foundation dedicated to creating the best possible environment in Gloucestershire for disabled people and people with mental health challenges to make the most of their lives.