Curo News

Tintagel Close to be redeveloped by Curo

Mon, 23 May 2022 11:07:49 Z

Housing association Curo has announced its intention to demolish and redevelop a block of 44 maisonettes at Tintagel Close in Keynsham, following a prolonged period of consultation with residents of the estate.

Curo has been working with residents at Tintagel Close since 2018 to understand the work that would be needed to upgrade the buildings and provide homes that are suitable for the future.

Initially it was believed that homes at Tintagel Close could be refurbished while the residents remained in their homes. However, following more detailed surveys as well as new government legislation on fire and building safety and energy efficiency, Curo decided to re-evaluate the project. It was decided that the demolition and redevelopment of Tintagel Close would be the best long-term solution.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “The decision to proceed with the redevelopment of Tintagel Close was taken after careful consideration of all the options and following extensive consultation with residents who live there. It was always going to be impractical and extremely difficult to achieve the future standards of housing we, as a society, aspire towards – particularly from an environmental point of view – while the residents remained in their homes, and given the construction of the existing building. Our ambition now is to continue to engage with local residents to design homes that are fit for the future - homes that will be high quality in the broadest sense and that will fit in with their surroundings”.

Curo has been supporting residents at Tintagel Close over the past few months to find new homes in the local area and so far, 22 families have moved to a new property they have chosen.

Victor says: “We’ve put in place a complete support package for residents at Tintagel Close, including a dedicated liaison officer, funds to cover their moving costs and a one-off home loss payment. We will continue to work with families at Tintagel Close to help them find a new home they like, as we start to look to the future of the estate.”

Curo is now asking the local community to help shape plans for a future development. To take part, residents are invited to fill in this short survey by Sunday 5 June.

The feedback will help Curo design proposals for the site over the next few months. A second public consultation, in winter this year, will give local residents the opportunity to view and comment on the specifics of the project, including the number and appearance of homes and other details such as parking arrangements. Curo will use this further feedback to refine any proposals with a view to submit a planning application to Bath & North East Somerset Council early next year.

Residents living near the site and the wider community will be kept informed about the next steps at Tintagel Close including through updates via Curo’s website at www.curo-group.co.uk/tintagelclose-redevelopment.

Victor adds: “Our aim is to provide new affordable homes that meet local needs and integrate well within the existing neighbourhood. We’d really like to hear from residents at Tintagel Close and the local community in Keynsham about the future of this estate so we can understand what is important to them and use this knowledge in the design process.”

Radstock residents get first look at redevelopment proposals for Walnut Buildings

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 08:47:32 Z

Around 70 people attended Curo’s public exhibition last week to see the proposals for the redevelopment of the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 93% of survey respondents stating they support the redevelopment proposals as showcased, while the remainder were unsure.

Among the visitors’ favourite features were the layout of the scheme and home zone concept for the main road. There was also strong support for the design of the new homes, which were seen to complement the existing buildings and neighbourhood character.

Local residents also liked that the 32 homes proposed will be affordable, available through a mix of social rent and low-cost home ownership.

Many respondents commented positively about the sustainability features of the proposed homes, which will aim to achieve a minimum of 19% reduction in CO2 emissions using energy-efficient building materials, PV solar panels and air source heat pumps. Wildlife-enhancing features such as hedgehog highways and bird/bat/bee boxes were also popular.

Most visitors agreed that the proposals will lead to an improvement in the appearance of the area.

One visitor said: “The houses look as though they will be attractive; it will be a good mix of properties” while another commented: “It is a shame that the commercial builders do not adopt some of these practices.”

Ward councillors Bruce Shearn and Chris Dando were also present at the event.

Cllr Shearn says: “This is a great opportunity for Curo and our town to regenerate the area in keeping with the wider neighbourhood while providing modern and energy-efficient affordable homes.

“I know that there will be more tweaks and changes to the scheme, not least because of feedback received from residents during this public consultation, but I think Curo’s plans look great and could really transform this part of town for the better. I look forward to seeing the homes built and welcoming their new residents over the next couple of years.”

Cllr Dando says: “It was great to meet with local residents at the public exhibition last week and hear what they had to say about the proposed redevelopment. Curo’s designs show a well-thought-out scheme that could really benefit both existing residents and those families who may live in these new homes in the future.”

North East Somerset MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, commented: "Curo has clearly listened to residents and is offering attractive, traditional housing that is affordable and in keeping with Radstock’s history."

Local residents can still view and comment on the proposals here by Friday 24 September. Curo will take this feedback into consideration when refining the plans, before submitting a planning application to B&NES Council in late autumn.

Curo to consult on plans for 32 new affordable homes at Walnut Buildings site

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:31:07 Z

Curo is proposing to build 32 new affordable homes on the land formerly occupied by Walnut Buildings in Radstock.

A public exhibition of the redevelopment plans will take place on Thursday 9 September at Whisty Community Hall (BA3 3JL) and local residents are encouraged to drop in any time between 2-7pm.

The proposed homes are a mix of 1- and 2-bedroom apartments and 2- and 3-bedroom houses. Just over half of the new homes will be let at social rent to people on Bath & North East Somerset Council’s housing list (17) while the remainder (15) will be sold to first time buyers through the Shared Ownership scheme.

Curo Chief Executive, Victor da Cunha, says: “We’re looking forward to sharing our redevelopment plans for Walnut Buildings with the community in Radstock this month. I want to thank all residents who got involved in our first consultation earlier this year – your feedback was invaluable in developing these proposals and we hope you’ll come along to the exhibition to let us know what you think.

“The new scheme has been designed to complement existing homes and buildings and to improve the appearance and safety of the area, which were the community’s main priorities. The development could give more local people and families the opportunity to live in modern, warm and energy-efficient affordable homes.”

The proposals include electric vehicle (EV) charging points and a ‘home zone’ as the main road through the new development. A home zone is a space shared between vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians and children, with consideration given to the wider needs of the residents.

The development will aim to achieve a 19% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to building regulations requirements, by using energy efficient building materials and renewable/low carbon technologies. This could mean the future homes at Walnut Buildings may feature air source heat pumps instead of gas boilers, while some may also have photovoltaic solar panels.

Curo are looking to submit a planning application to B&NES Council in winter 2021. Subject to securing planning permission, Curo could start works on site at Walnut Buildings by spring 2023 and complete the development by summer 2024.