Eight new flats designed to offer interim accommodation for local people who find themselves temporarily homeless have been completed.
The development at Elizabeth Carter Court in Deal has been built on a brownfield site owned by Dover District Council, previously occupied by garages.
The site has been transformed into eight one-bedroom flats by Folkestone-based Jenner Contractors and will be handed over to the council today (August 1) ready for occupation.
It forms part of an £8m project by DDC to build 48 affordable homes for interim housing. Construction of 16 studio flats at another site, in Kimberley Close in Dover, is well underway by Jenner with expected completion in September.
Another interim housing build, in Poulton Close in Dover, for 24 residential units has recently been granted planning permission, with construction due to commence in the autumn.
The scheme highlights DDC’s commitment to develop its own emergency housing to reduce the reliance on B&B accommodation, which is a significant cost to the council.
The new flats in Deal are for single people and couples in need of a short-term place to stay while a more permanent and suitable solution to their housing needs can be found.
A range of facilities, such as cycle storage, communal bins and recycling are included. There is also CCTV and communal gardens.
They have been sustainably designed to contribute to the council’s net zero carbon target and include electric heating with PV solar panels.
Cllr Derek Murphy, DDC’s cabinet member for housing, said: “This new interim housing in Elizabeth Carter Court provides a practical solution to those who find themselves unexpectedly homeless.
“It gives them a place to stay, in comfortable surroundings, while a permanent home is found.
“This new development highlights the important work by Dover District Council to invest in our housing stock and create an affordable solution for local people in need of help.”
Ella Brocklebank, head of communications and business development at Jenner, said: “Jenner is delighted to be working in close partnership with Dover District Council once again, as they continue their ambitious regeneration plans, bringing redundant properties back to life to provide essential, quality accommodation for local people."
DDC has an ambitious programme to build up to 500 affordable homes across the district.
A development of 26 affordable homes in Napchester Road is nearing completion. These are a mix of one and two-bedroom flats along with two, three, and four-bedroom houses.
A five-bedroom house suitable for wheelchair users is also being built, designed to provide accommodation for a family with additional accessibility requirements.
Posted on 01 August 2022