The overall number of homes across the sites will increase from 235 to 299
Plans to replace 235 “ageing” homes at former council estates in Cambridge with almost 300 new ones have taken a step forward. Cambridge City Council, working with Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) and The Hill Group, are seeking additional funding to deliver council houses as part of the developments.
The proposals, on Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road, aim to improve living standards for Cambridge and help meet growing demand across the city.
The overall number of homes across the sites will increase from 235 to 299. At Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road, independent viability assessments concluded that the costs associated with redeveloping the sites mean there should be no requirement to build council homes.
Nevertheless, Cambridge City Council intends to secure funding from Homes England to deliver council homes at each development.
The latest plans at Hanover Court and Princess Court off Hills Road, would see two deteriorating residential buildings of 127 homes demolished and 165 new homes built in their place. Funding for this site will allow 72 council homes to be built as part of the 165 new homes proposed, equalling 44 per cent. This would be a reduction of 10 compared with the 82 existing council homes.
Similarly, at Ekin Road, in Abbey, funding would enable 78 council homes to be built within the 134 total new homes being proposed, equalling 58 per cent. This is 13 fewer council homes than currently exist. Updated plans propose the demolition of 108 “ageing” homes to deliver the new ones.
In addition, the proposals would see more spacious layouts, modern homes, with some homes offering additional living spaces and others offering additional bedrooms.
The remaining 149 homes will be available for sale and profit generated from these homes will go towards the council’s additional source of funding to support its ongoing council house building programme.
According to the council, the current residential buildings in Hanover Court and Princess Court are no longer suitable for council tenants to live in due to a combination of structural concerns, fire safety constraints and wider building performance issues. The council considers that the only way to address the concerns is to redevelop the site.
Built in the 1950s and 1960s, the Ekin Road estate reportedly has many of the maintenance and structural issues which can contribute to issues such as damp, condensation and mould. Therefore, the site is being redeveloped. The development will offer a mix of one to five bedroom homes, as well as four homes specifically designed for wheelchair users.
Residents have already moved from Hanover Court, Princess Court and Ekin Road ahead of the planned development works. Support for council tenants includes being given priority access to choosing a suitable council home to move into as well as a home-loss payment of around £8,000, plus a £1,250 payment to cover moving expenses.
Meanwhile, homeowners are offered the market rate for their home based on a property valuation by a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyor, plus a statutory compensation payment of 7.5-10 per cent. They are also entitled to reasonable disturbance and assistance with moving costs, including legal fees and Stamp Duty Land Tax.
Councillor Gerri Bird, Cambridge City Council Cabinet Member for Housing and CIP board member said: “Everyone deserves to live in homes that meet modern standards – with spacious living areas that are well ventilated and comfortable to live in, with high energy efficiency to bring down spiralling energy costs.”
Plans for Ekin Road are due to be considered by Planning Committee later this summer.
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