Brandon Consultation

Launch of further consultation in Brandon

Planning for the future: Red Firs and Rowan Lea
Over the last year, believe housing has been consulting local people on proposals to develop a Masterplan for central Brandon.  

Following a review of demand for homes and the types of properties, a decision was made to demolish the properties at Vicarage Flats and the Silver Courts bungalows. 

Residents were also asked for their views about the wider area, what they liked about living in this part of Brandon and what they would like to see in the future. They told us that more needed to be done to improve safety and security in the area and that many of the homes were old and needed investment.  

The consultants who worked with us in delivering this first phase of the Masterplan agreed, and said that demolition of poor-quality housing and replacement with new homes that made better use of the open spaces would help address these concerns. 

After considering this feedback, believe housing carried out further work exploring potential options for the future. 

Consultation on proposals for the demolition of bungalows at Red Firs and Rowan Lea
believe housing has reviewed the properties it owns in the Masterplan area, looking at: 

• types of homes 
• demand 
• empty homes 
• investment required 

Careful consideration of all this information has led the Board to conclude that the bungalows at Red Firs and Rowan Lea are no longer fit for purpose, and to begin consultation on the proposed demolition of the properties. This is because: 

• The bungalows no longer meet the needs of the older and disabled people they were originally designed for 
• People do not choose to move here 
• Future investment needs are high  
• The properties are not the sort of home that people aspire to live in now, or in the future 

Before a decision is made, it is important that we get the views of all customers who are affected by the proposal. 

We are hand delivering information about the proposal, including a consultation questionnaire, and speaking to all those affected. 

What happens next?
The decision to formally consult on demolition has not been taken lightly and believe housing’s Board is committed to carefully considering the views of the residents who live here. 

What are the consultation timescales?
Consultation formally starts today Monday, 8 August and concludes on Monday, 19 September. 

The responses will be analysed and presented to the believe housing Board, at its meeting in October. Residents will be informed of decisions after this meeting. 

What would happen if we do decide to demolish?
If the decision is made to demolish some or all of the properties, help and support would immediately be available. This would include priority and support to secure a suitable new home and a compensation package. 

For more information please read our FAQ’s.