19/04/2023 - Permalink

Tenants to be given priority help finding new homes, as site is set for redevelopment

Related topics: Housing / Partner organisations

Shropshire Council has pledged to help four households, whose homes form part of a major redevelopment plan, find new accommodation.

Four tenants of the independent living community in Fairfield Close, Gobowen, which are part of the council housing portfolio managed by Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing (STAR Housing), will be offered priority assistance to find new accommodation, after it was agreed that the properties should be demolished.

Shropshire Council approved the demolition of 24 homes, garages and one communal room on the development, after a review in 2020 identified concerns over the accommodation, including the suitability of some of the homes, car parking, low demand and letting issues.

Planning has already been approved for the site to be redeveloped in line with the Shropshire Plan to provide high quality affordable homes for local people and key workers.

Over the past two years the majority of the residents of Fairfield Close have found alternative homes, and STAR Housing will continue to work with those who are yet to find suitable alternative accommodation. Shropshire Council’s Cabinet has now agreed (at their meeting today, Wednesday 19 April 2023, in closed session) for them to be given priority status on the council’s housing register.

Dean Carroll, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for growth, regeneration and housing, said:-

“It is our priority to ensure there is a suitable mix of housing that is both affordable and accessible to all our residents.

“The homes at Fairfield Close were being met with low demand and were not efficient by today’s standards, so I am pleased we are now able to get on with a project to redevelop the area with new, energy efficient homes that will meet demand in line with our desire to provide high quality homes for local people and key workers.

“STAR Housing has an officer dedicated to helping the four remaining tenants find alternative accommodation, and they will be further supported by being listed as priorities on Shropshire Council’s housing register.”

It is anticipated demolition will begin in January 2024 ahead of the site’s redevelopment, bringing 20 family homes and 12 apartments to the area.

Further information

All Cabinet decisions are subject to a five day call in period.