PLANS to build a “super care home” in Southampton have moved a step closer to reality – and council chiefs have pledged to look at building another in the east of the city.

Labour council chiefs have approved spending £500,000 on initial work for the care home on the site of the former Woodside Lodge dementia facility in Wimpson Lane.

As revealed by the Daily Echo, the scheme, which could cost £12 million, will provide “extra care” where residents with disabilities and conditions such as dementia can live in their own flats but receive support when needed.

It is a larger version of the scheme currently being built at Erskine Court in Lordshill and could provide accommodation for up to 95 people.

Council housing chief Warwick Payne said it was hoped funding for the scheme – done through Right to Buy receipts and borrowing which will be paid back through residents’ fees – will come forward early next year with a firm timetable for construction work.

Conservative adult social care spokesman Ivan White has raised concerns over its size, financial viability and location, saying there should be a similar facility created on the eastern side of the city.

Council leader Simon Letts said: “I will give a personal commitment that a third scheme, when it comes forward, will be on the eastern side of the city.”