New £5.1m supported living development in Portsmouth set to go ahead

During Portsmouth City Council's first virtual housing meeting today (July 20) proposals for six homes for 24 adults with learning or physical disabilities were agreed.

Once funding is secured and detailed plans are approved work will begin to build the four flats and two bungalows in Karen Avenue, in Drayton, on the site of the former Highgrove Lodge that was demolished in 2008.

Speaking at the meeting the council's housing boss, Councillor Darren Sanders, said: 'This is a very good development. It meets the needs of the city and provides homes.

'We can't afford to have sites empty for years.'

He was backed by Drayton ward representative Cllr Simon Bosher. He said: 'This is going to be state of the art, which will be fabulous.

'This would make a really good fit for the local area.'

Cllr Bosher also asked if some empty land near the adjacent dairy site, which is currently being developed into 108 homes, could be repurposed as a small nature reserve with disability access.

Cllr Sanders agreed and asked officers to liaise with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust about it.

It is planned solar panels will be fitted on every building and each home will have efficient heating systems.

However, Labour spokesman for housing Cllr Cal Corkery said: 'I would prefer if the homes could be more affordable and to higher green standards.'

It is predicted the scheme will generate annual savings to the council of around £96,256 as well as savings to the Clinical Commissioning Group of £412,000.

The savings will be made as a result of reduced care costs such as no longer paying hotel charges as well as being able to provide care to a number of people within the same home.

Funds for the scheme will be applied for through Homes England. If the council is unsuccessful it will use receipts from the sale of right to buy homes for £1.5m of the cost. The rest will come from unsupported borrowing.

The housing meeting to discuss the plans was due to take place in March but was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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