Sheltered flats proposed for demolished housing site

The site of the former Ashcroft House would be redeveloped for sheltered housing if plans are approved

Dozens of social housing properties for older people have been proposed for Shoreham as part of a partnership between Adur District Council and Worthing Homes.

The site of Ashcroft House, which was owned by the council and demolished earlier this year, would be redeveloped into 56 one and two-bedroom sheltered accommodation flats, said the council.

All the flats would be allocated to individuals on Adur's housing register, who would then become tenants of the housing association.

Under the proposals, Worthing Homes would be granted a 250-year lease for the land in Kingston Lane, which also contains eight empty council bungalows, for £500,000.

The agreement is subject to Worthing Homes securing planning permission, while funding from Homes England will also be required.

Residents of the 21 flats at Ashcroft House were rehoused in 2020 after an assessment revealed the building needed urgent and extensive fire safety improvements.

Ashcroft House was then demolished this year, ready for the site to be redeveloped.

If plans are approved, work could begin on site in 2025, with the new tenants ready to move into their new homes in 2027.

Councillor Lee Cowen, Adur's cabinet member for housing and citizen services, said: "Working with Worthing Homes will allow us to create affordable accommodation for some of our older Adur residents, while keeping costs manageable."

Donna Cezair, chief executive of Worthing Homes, said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with Adur District Council on such a prestigious and much-needed scheme."