Work starts on Courthouse Green housing development

[dutchman]

A delayed scheme to build homes on the site of the old Court House pub has started.


Shaun Moses, Coun Tony Skipper, Coun Linda Bigham and John Hannon

Plans to build 32 homes on land on the corner of Blackberry Lane and Nuffield Road, in Courthouse Green, were approved in 2010 but the flagging housing market and a lack of funding prevented work from starting.

The pub shut in 2009 and quickly became a hotspot for anti-social behaviour and vandalism. It was demolished in 2010.

Now Cassidy Group, on behalf of Whitefriars Housing, will develop the site by building two four-bed houses, nine three-bed houses, 12 two-bed houses and nine two-bed apartments.

The scheme started after the government provided cash from its Affordable Homes Programme. Trainees from City College will also work on the development.

Michael Park, from Whitefriars Housing, said: “We are delighted that the development is progressing and funding has been secured.

“This development will provide much-needed homes to be offered at affordable rents to families.”

[dutchman]

I can't see any reason why the former pub building could not have been converted to domestic use other than an apparent desire by Whitefriars to cram as many dwellings into the available space as possible?