A housing project looking at how technology affects the way people live has been extended thanks to a further £4 million in grants.

The University of Exeter has been running its Smartline research project in Camborne, Illogan, Pool and Redruth since 2017.

Working with Coastline Housing, Volunteer Cornwall, Cornwall Council and the South West Academic Health Science Network, it looks at the relationship between technology and the way people live in their homes and communities.

Now new funding worth £3,150,436 has been granted from the European Regional Development Fund to continue and expand the work. With match funding from partners and an additional contribution from Cornwall Council of £200,000, the total value of the project tops £4 million.

Professor Karyn Morrissey, who will head up the next phase, said: “We have been gathering hard data and insights from people and from sensors in their homes for three years and I’m excited to translate that information into new ways of improving residents’ lives.

“I’m so excited that we have got this extension for a further three years as it means we can start to give back to the community after they have so generously participated in the research.”

Councillor Rob Rotchell, Cornwall Council cabinet member for adult social care, said: “I have been fascinated to learn about what the Smartline team have been doing so far and, like them, I’m keen to see now how we can start to see impact on the ground and how we can use the data and insights to help us as we develop policy for both health and housing.”

Smartline also works with small and medium sized organisations in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly to develop technology-based products and services to meet the health and wellbeing needs of communities.

During the first phase, over 170 were involved and in the next phase, from March 2020 to January 2023, this work will continue.