Horsham housing community facing demolition

Saxon Weald’s chief executive David Standfast broke the news in person.

The Horsham-based housing association plans to redevelop the town centre site in New Street to provide more than 60 new affordable homes for local people.

The proposed development will be on the site of Winterton Court, currently a scheme housing 30 older people in 27 studio and one-bedroom bungalows.

Mr Standfast said: “We realise that these proposals will not come as welcome news for the people who live at Winterton Court. It is a popular place to live.

“However, residents will be offered a choice of new homes, given a compensation payment of £4,700 and will receive support for moving expenses, including new curtains and carpets if needed.

“A member of Saxon Weald’s staff will be dedicated to helping the residents to move, minimising stress and disruption.

“Our existing residents will have an opportunity to move back, into the modern, well-insulated flats in the new scheme. A new development would enable many more people to live in a central site, close to shops, schools and the railway station.”

Saxon Weald will be working closely with Horsham District Council to ensure the success of the scheme.

Claire Vickers, Horsham District Council Cabinet Member for Living and Working Communities, said: “Horsham is in desperate need of affordable homes – we have a waiting list of over 400 households on the Council’s housing register and this scheme will help to meet that need.”