Local charity Kingston Centre for Independent Living has voiced support for the Council’s new plans to build 45 new homes aimed around accessibility and affordable housing.
Demolition at an old care home site in Acre Road has started after Kingston Council granted planning permission to make way for 45 new affordable houses, aimed at older residents and adults with learning disabilities.
Joanne Stafferton, Operations and Marketing Manager for Kingston Centre for Independent Living, said: “Any new homes being built in the borough, particularly those that are aimed at supporting people who are elderly or who have learning difficulties is very welcome.”
She added: “Within our charity we get a lot of requests for support from disabled people in the Kingston community, who are struggling to access suitable homes and we know that there is currently a very long waiting list for suitable council housing.”
Kingston Council owns 11.1% of housing in the area, according to 2023 figures.
Cllr Emily Davey, the Portfolio Holder for Housing, said: “It’s exciting for us to be able to deliver projects like this — truly affordable homes, at council rent levels, for some of our most vulnerable residents.”
However, Stafferton said whilst she understands that the new homes is a great addition to the community chances are there are probably more people waiting for new suitable accommodation.
She added: “We would welcome even more projects such as this being built in the next few years, hopefully.”
The demolition at the existing site is expected to last until May, with building estimated to start in the autumn.
The scheme also aims to provide a new path through the centre of the area.
Architects Levitt Bernstein’s proposals focused on sustainable design, allowing for dual-aspect homes — allowing more natural light into the house, with fully adapted wheelchair access.
Irene Craik, Director at Levitt Bernstein, said: “The scheme at Acre Road will provide inclusive and accessible homes for local older residents and adults with learning disabilities in a setting that promotes community and support and enables independent living.”
She added: “Importantly, the residents choosing to move into the later living homes will also help to free up much needed larger family homes in the borough.”
