Refurbishment of flats moves one step closer
PLANS for ‘essential’ refurbishments at a block of flats are one step closer – but only after two false starts.
Housing association Salix Homes has re-submitted proposals for a new apartment development off Blackfriars Road in a bid to finance improvements at Canon Green Court in Salford.
Residents there – and at neighbouring Westminster Court – have had to put up with mouldy walls, ‘excessive condensation,’ ‘poor ventilation,’ and a ‘lack of thermal insulation,’ according to a council report.
In 2015, Salix Homes committed to making improvements at the buildings, which were built in the 1950s, in order to bring them in line with the government’s decent homes standards by 2020.
It said its proposal to build 108 affordable homes nearby would finance the refurbishment.
The plans were derailed last month when a planning application was deferred before being rejected by councillors.
Salix Homes re-submitted its revised application for 108 new affordable homes last week.
Sue Sutton, executive director of operations at Salix Homes, said: “We are well aware of the issues with damp at Canon Green Court, and we sympathise with the residents affected.
“The refurbishment and modernisation of Canon Green Court is a major part of our planning proposal for the site, and we have ensured that residents have been involved with our development plans every step of the way.
“Our proposals for the site involve a significant level of investment at Canon Green Court, and we are confident that our plans will address these issues and create safe, modern and comfortable homes that are fit for the future. We look forward to getting underway with this project and delivering this essential improvement work that residents have been calling for.
“We have addressed the planning panel’s concerns regarding integration and access of the development by significantly improving the amenity space to the rear of Canon Green Court.
“This will improve the connection between the proposed new block with the existing blocks within the site. We’ve also included the addition of rear access to the new building and improved sight lines, drawing residents into the amenity space and social focal points.
“We are hopeful that the amended application will meet the planning committee’s requirements, allowing us to move forward with our proposals to build more than 100 desperately-needed affordable homes in Salford as well as refurbish and modernise the homes of the existing residents at Canon Green Court and Westminster House.”