NEWS RELEASES
Affordable retirement housing in Southwater
29th June 2007
CABINET approval has been given to provide financial assistance to enable approximately 30 new affordable retirement homes to be built in Southwater, near Horsham, subject to planning approval.
Horsham District Council’s Cabinet meeting of 14 June agreed that part funding for construction of the new homes should be provided by the Council.
Horsham District Council is to contribute funding to the value of £485,000 to enable the scheme to go ahead.
The remaining funding is coming from Saxon Weald Homes.
Without a contribution from the Council the development could not happen. The Council receives funding solely for the development of affordable housing in the District from private developments via planning obligations.
The site identified for the homes is Gardeners & Fletcher Court in Southwater.
Until its demolition in January this year, the Gardeners & Fletcher Court site was made up of a number of unpopular bed sits and one bed flats for older people with shared bathing facilities. It was identified as a high priority for redevelopment by Saxon Weald in conjunction with Horsham Council.
The new proposal will see modern retirement flats consisting of one and two bed properties being built. The flats will be available for both shared equity and affordable rent.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Cllr Andrew Baldwin, Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Support at Horsham District Council, said:
“There is a huge affordability problem in Horsham and we are committed to securing more affordable housing for local people.
“Some of the older persons’ housing in the District is outdated and in low demand because of its size and condition.
“This new scheme will provide high quality contemporary affordable housing for older people.
“In an ageing society we need to be giving greater attention to the homes some of our most vulnerable older people need and I very much welcome the Cabinet’s decision to support investment in this scheme.”
Richard Donnelly, Saxon Weald’s Development Director, said:
“This is great news.
“While our old bedsits were outdated and unpopular, Southwater certainly isn’t!
“I am sure high quality, affordable retirement flats for the village would be in great demand and we look forward to putting together proposals for a new scheme.”
More information about affordable housing in the Horsham District is available from Horsham District Council on 01403 215202 or email: housing@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk