We are delighted to have started work on 10 new eco-bungalows, on the site of the former Rokeby House care home in west Hull, after planning permission was granted.
The Homes and Communities Agency recently approved Pickering and Ferens Homes’ bid for £539,000 from the National Affordable Housing Programme for the £1.3m development in Rokeby Avenue.
Roger Elliot, Director of Pickering and Ferens Homes, is delighted that the scheme is moving forward at such a rapid rate. After he was made aware of the opportunity in December 2010, the charity has since developed plans for the scheme, appointed a local developer and obtained planning permission. Work started on site on May 20th, with local contractor Hobson and Porter Ltd building the properties.
The dormer bungalows, which will be available for rent through Pickering and Ferens Homes, will have the option for people to have a bedroom on the ground or first floor, making them suitable for any resident regardless of mobility issues. The second bedroom also enables a friend or relative to stay to assist a resident during a period of ill health, avoiding the use of residential care or an extended stay in hospital. The homes will be built to Lifetime Homes standards which means they are built to accommodate daily living needs as people get older such as wide doors and hallways, space for wheelchairs, easy to open windows and switches and sockets at a height that is usable for all.
Mr Elliot said: “I am delighted that work on this development is nowto commence. It is anticipated that work will be complete by February 2012. We are very pleased to be working in close partnership with a local contractor, namely Hobson and Porter and local architect Gammond Evans Crichton Limited. We anticipate a tremendous demand for the accommodation.”
Pauline Davis, Director of Regeneration for Hull City Council, said: “It is great news that work is to begin on the Rokeby site which will see it transformed to offer 10 quality, energy-efficient homes for older people that will meet a range of needs.”
Rob Pearson, Head of Area for the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “It is great news that planning has been approved, so that these 10 new homes will be built to such high standards ensuring not only better homes for the residents but also lower heating bills.
Jason Papprill, Managing Director of Hobson and Porter, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as Contractor for this important development within the city, and to be able to work again with Pickering and Ferens Homes and Gammond Evans Crichton. We are looking forward to delivering this development which is a significant addition to the housing stock in the area.”
Bryan Burgess, chairman of Pickering and Ferens Homes, said: “This development is a win-win situation for all the participants of the project and therefore it gives me great pleasure to turn over the first sod in this development. I look forward to the completion of this project when we can give the keys over to the new residents.”