NPH are currently talking to residents at St Mary’s and Berkeley House on a proposal to redevelop the area and build 126 new homes.
Since 2016, NPH's Major Works Team has been working with Spring Boroughs residents to invest in their homes and the neighbourhood. This includes new Council homes, the refurbishment of existing homes, as well as environmental and landscaping works. In addition NPH have built a new shop, community room, play area and outdoor gym area at Spring Boroughs.
Residents living in St. Marys and Berkeley House have raised a number of concerns with their blocks, some of which NPH cannot address through refurbishment works. This is due to the extent of works needed.
The proposal being discussed with residents would involve demolishing blocks at Berkeley House and St. Mary’s Court to build 126 new homes on the site.
Helen Town, Assistant Director of Asset Management and Development explained:
“We understand that residents will find this news unsettling and it will cause significant upheaval for individuals and families. The welfare of our residents is our priority and we have a team of specialist staff in place to support each household according to their specific needs. We are talking to everyone affected by these proposals and their views will be taken into account before we submit a planning application for the development”.
On 21st February 2019, on behalf of Northampton Borough Council, NPH sent a legal notice called Intention to Demolish Notice to all residents in the two blocks. Receiving the legal notice does not mean demolition will start anytime soon, but it does let residents know formally that their home could be demolished as part of the proposal.
Helen Town continued:
“We have been to meet individual residents over the last ten days, and are still meeting with all residents at St Mary’s and Berkeley House to talk about these proposals for the two buildings and hear about what residents think. For some time, residents have raised concerns about the condition of the two buildings, the security, lack of parking and green space. There is also a need for larger homes and we have been looking at how we can address these issues”.
If planning is approved, NPH intend to improve accommodation for existing residents as well as create 40 additional Council homes in the area, many of which will be suitable for families.