A specialist dementia nursing home could be coming to Kingston, following the council’s approval of £10.29million to be used to build it.

There are estimated to be more than 1,500 people in the borough with dementia – a figure predicted to rise to more than 2,100 by 2027.

Councillor Cathy Roberts, portfolio holder for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "With an ageing population and increased demands for health and social care services the financial costs of meeting the needs of people with dementia in Kingston is increasing.

"I am delighted that members of the council's treasury committee voted unanimously to approve the funding for this specialist facility. It is a significant milestone in its delivery and moves Kingston closer to becoming a dementia friendly community."

The 80-bed home will now be subject to consultation and planning approval, but it is hoped it will open in 2020.

The council will partner with an established care provider to run the home, and hopes to generate income from people who can pay for their care.

Councillor David Glasspool, chair of the council’s Treasury Committee, said: “The council currently relies on the private sector market to provide most of the bed-based care to meet care needs. The new purpose-built home will not only meet the specific needs of people with dementia, it will help the council save money in relation to caring for these elderly residents.”