Purchase of local building proposed for new temporary accommodation provision
On Tuesday 13 August, Castle Point Borough Council will discuss plans to purchase and develop the formerly privately owned Abbeyfields sheltered housing scheme in Chapel Lane, Hadleigh. If approved, the internal configuration of the building will then be renovated and converted for use by the Council to house residents of the Borough who are in need of temporary accommodation.
Councillor Rob Lillis, Portfolio Holder for Health, Wellbeing & Housing, said: "This acquisition will allow the Council to increase its housing provision within the Borough to support vulnerable residents, ensuring they can stay in or close to their communities and support networks, or in the case of families, educational settings.
"Furthermore, it will improve access to housing for those unable to find affordable short-term accommodation or to sustain an existing tenancy for whatever reason."
Councillor Tom Gibson, Portfolio Holder for Special Projects & Assets, added: "The proposed purchase and redevelopment of Abbeyfields represents a sound investment for our Council, and will reduce our costs while improving the quality of the service offered by the Council to its residents.
“An investment opportunity like this will otherwise be snapped up by the private market or another public sector purchaser and would be unlikely to deliver the same benefits to our residents and community.”
If approved, the Council is expected to complete the purchase in Autumn 2024 and start providing accommodation for homeless households by Spring 2025.