By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
“Grot-spot” disused garage sites plagued by anti-social behaviour and drug use will be brought back to life after Ashfield District Council approved 14 new ‘affordable’ family homes.
It comes as part of the authority’s plans to build 100 new council houses within five years and follows the approval of several other schemes across the district in recent months.
The new properties will be based in Central Avenue, Darley Avenue and Spruce Grove, Kirkby, and Oak Grove, Hucknall, with the authority’s plan given unanimous, cross-party support at Thursday’s full council meeting.
Documents published ahead of the meeting state the homes will be created to address the high demand for affordable rented housing in the district.
Recent vacancies for a two-bedroom and a three-bedroom council-owned home attracted 124 and 191 bids respectively, the authority said, with only 21 homes becoming available in the past year.
The Central Avenue garages were previously demolished by the council leaving just scrubland, with three two-bedroom homes planned for this site.
The Darley Avenue garages, based on Kirkby’s Coxmoor estate, are described by the council as “prone to flooding” and would need to be demolished to make way for the homes.
The authority plans three two-bedroom homes on the land.
A further five homes are planned on the Spruce Grove site, also on the Coxmoor Estate, including three two-bedroom and two three-bedroom properties.
And Hucknall’s Oak Grove site, the council adds, will accommodate the remaining three two-bedroom houses. This land, the council states, is currently used “as an unofficial caravan storage”.
The authority estimates the redevelopment plans will cost about £2.1 million. However, it will seek funding from Homes England to bring the costs down to £1.49 million.
The project was welcomed by councillors during the meeting on Thursday.
Councillor Keir Morrison (Lab), who represents Hucknall South, said: “It’s really good to see this report, it’s something I’m in full support of.
“I’m a big supporter of making sure there are plenty more council houses built across the district.
“It’s a good use of land that’s there, rotting away. Let’s get that waiting list down.”
Cllr John Wilmott (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall North, also welcomed the scheme.
He said: “This will help in tackling the anti-social behaviour and drug-taking that’s been taking place in some of these sites.
“It seems any derelict area that is quiet, derelict, dark or hidden away, is a prime spot for these activities to take place.
“To develop 14 new council properties is a great opportunity to replace some of the Right to Buy properties we have lost recently.”
And Cllr Jason Zadrozny (Ash Ind), leader of the council, added: “We’ve got an enormous waiting list, and our houses aren’t houses – they’re peoples’ homes.
“This is a real win-win because they become family homes and they also get rid of a grot-spot, anti-social behaviour magnets.”
The council must now draw up planning applications to bring the homes to life.
