A HOUSING scheme to support over-50s with care needs has won a building industry award.

The £14million Riverside Heights development on Shorey Bank Way in Darwen took 10 years to build.

The scheme, a partnership between the Together Housing Group and Blackburn with Darwen Council, was named as Best Social or Affordable New Housing Development at Local Authority Building Control’s Building Excellence Awards.

In addition to 85 self-contained apartments, it includes a restaurant and hair and beauty salon which are open to the wider community.

All the flats have now been filled with a waiting list for future applicants.

The scheme was first mooted in 2009 by then council social care boss David Foster.

Sue Lewis, head of supported living at Together Housing, said: "Riverside Heights is designed to bridge the gap for people struggling to live on their own and residential care."

Sayyed Osman, director of adult care at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said: "This innovative housing development offers residents the reassurance of extra support being on hand if needed, helping people to maintain their independence for longer, as well as providing a wide range of modern facilities on site."