Dozens of new flats planned for five former sheltered housing sites in Stoke-on-Trent
Dozens of new council houses and flats are set to be built on five former sheltered housing sites in Stoke-on-Trent – if external funding can be secured.
Stoke-on-Trent City Council is in the process of demolishing the disused complexes in Meir, Hanley, Tunstall, Longton and Abbey Hulton – some of which were plagued with anti-social behaviour – following their replacement with three new schemes.
Council leaders have now revealed plans to redevelop each of the sites with new affordable homes for rent for the authority's housing revenue account (HRA).
The proposals include apartments for the over-55 and bungalows, along with general needs flats and houses, with a number of different options still being considered for some of the sites.
But each of the developments will be dependent on the council securing funds from Homes England, a council report warns.
Cabinet members will be asked to approve the redevelopment proposals at a meeting next week, although the council will still need to gain planning permission for each of the schemes.
Councillor Chris Robinson, cabinet member for housing, regeneration and planning, said: "We have made a significant investment in new housing in the city in recent years and we are committed to delivering high quality homes to ensure all of our residents can live well at home for longer.
"All of the sites are different in terms of size and layout, so the proposals which are being put forward are in their extremely early stages, and could change as we progress, but it is very exciting to be at this stage and to be building even more new homes in the city. We are confident that our residents will benefit from the redevelopment of these sites and are looking forward to being able to bring them back into use."
There are the current proposals for each of the sites:
Doris Robinson Court, Meir
The council's plan is to build an 'independent living' apartment block for the over-55 with 46 one and two bedroom flats.
Unlike existing schemes such as Rialto Court and QEII there would be no communal shared space for residents, meaning a lower service charge.
The plans for Doris Robinson Court are the most advanced of the five, and an application could be submitted relatively soon.
Other options considered included a scheme of 16 general needs council houses, but there were concerns such a small development would not be viable. The council has also ruled out selling the site to a private provider, partly due to lack of interest.
Union Court, Hanley
The council has looked at a mixed scheme of houses and walk-up apartments, but a development of 18 apartments is considered the best option for the site.
The future of three neighbouring tower blocks is currently being reviewed by the council.
Union Court could become a development of 18 apartments (Google).
Lily Gertrude Simister Court, Tunstall
Various housing options have also been considered for this site, near Tunstall town centre.
But the report says that 'given the sustainable town centre location, the expanding business enterprises nearby and the existing surrounding housing options' a scheme of 14 one-bedroom walk-up apartments is now seen as the most suitable.
Lady Bennett Court, Longton
The council is still weighing up several options for this site, including a scheme of one-bedroom flats, and a development of 10-12 bungalows and three-bedroom houses.
More work is being carried out on these proposals. But the report warns that a 'suspected sewer' could restrict the development.
Newhouse Court, Abbey Hulton
The planned demolition of Newhouse Court has been put on hold due to services such as external lighting and a warden call system being shared with neighbouring bungalows.
A number of options have been proposed for the site, including walk-up apartments, or a scheme of nine bungalows and houses.
Due to the issues with the demolition, no firm decision has been taken and 'further due diligence' will be required before definitive proposals can be put forward.
Meir South councillor Faisal Hussain welcomed the plans for the Doris Robinson Court sites, which lies in his ward.
He said: "This site has sat empty for around four years and had become a hotspot area for anti-social behaviour in the area. I welcome the plans that have been announced today, and look forward to seeing development on this site as soon as possible."
Council leaders hope to fund the schemes through a combination of Homes England grants, 'section 106' money secured from developers, and HRA borrowing.
The report says that without the Homes England and section 106 money, 'it is highly unlikely the council can achieve a viable development on the sites due to the restrictions imposed by differing funding sources, low rents and high construction costs'.
If funding from Homes England is secured, construction on the schemes would need to start by September 2025, with a completion date no later than March 2026.
Councillor Robinson added: "The five former sheltered housing sites which were considered in the review were no longer fit for purpose. These have been replaced in recent years with the 57-room Queen Elizabeth Court complex and the 65-room Rialto Court complex, in Fenton, and the 114-room Chatterley Court development in Chell Heath which is currently under construction.
"We will be applying for funding under the Homes England Affordable Homes Programme to support the development of these sites and, if successful, we hope to see construction start on site by September 2025 and completion as early as March 2026."
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