Housing Development Strategy - Report - Page 10
Redevelopment and regeneration
Redevelopment and regeneration seeks to provide better quality affordable housing as well as increasing the amount of affordable housing contributing
to the objectives of the overarching development programme.
The redevelopment programme can be split into two main areas; stock rationalisation of our existing HRA stock which aims to optimise accommodation
which is no longer fit for purpose or underutilised, and the proactive acquisition of redevelopment opportunities within the district to provide additional
affordable housing whilst also contributing to the physical and economic regeneration of the district.
Stock Rationalisation
Example 1: Staithe Road, Bungay
The programme seeks to identify our HRA
assets which are underused, unoccupied or
less popular. These are collectively known
as ‘underperforming assets’ and takes
into account the popularity of the building
through Gateway to Homechoice (our
shared choice based lettings scheme), the
quality and cost of the building to us, and
the projected life span of the building.
The Council had experienced long term
issues with a large house sub-divided into
three flats but with only one occupied.
It was decided that the modernisation
of the flats may still be difficult to let
and therefore a decision was made to
revert the building into an original large
detached house with parking and two
adjacent bedsits to be integrated into
the development as well. The property
was then placed on the open market to
bring a capital receipt to the Council.
Assets are reviewed identifying the
strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats of potential development solutions.
Recommendations are evaluated based
on their financial, political and social
implications to the community.
The programme aims to ensure the longevity
of the HRA stock and generate wider
financial efficiencies through the forward
projection of maintenance, improvements
and building lifespan. Rationalisation of stock
allows us to repurpose accommodation to
ensure we have the right type of housing in
the right locations.
Example 2: Avenue Mansions, Lowestoft
This former Retired Living scheme in
Lowestoft was a popular scheme but was
a large former Victorian hotel that had
become difficult to maintain and heat.
Residents were sympathetically relocated
to areas of their choice and supported
in the process. The empty property will
be considered for other alternative uses
such as specialised housing or prepared
for sale on the open market.
10
Our Actions
10 - Establish the means to monitor
and assess existing Council
assets and potential acquisition
opportunities for redevelopment.
11 - Improve the efficiency of the
housing stock. Reduce the level
of under-occupation, helping to
alleviate the housing burden on
the Council.
