Decision day for Leask Road housing complex

DECISIONS about the long-awaited redevelopment of a sheltered housing complex in Forres will be made in the next few days.

Moray Council planning department is this week scheduled to respond to a proposal by Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association (HSHA) to demolish their current building on Leask Road, and redevelop the site into modern dwellings.

A stone-built historic building within the existing complex that previously housed the manager is to be retained according to the recommendations of Historic Scotland.

“While it is not a listed building we recognise its position within a conservation area,” said an HSHA spokesperson. “In light of the comments and our design review, we have therefore submitted an amendment to our planning application incorporating this building into the overall design.”

Demolition of the existing development with the exception of the stone building, followed by the construction of 33 three-person extra care dwellings and associated support facilities in a single block, is currently being considered by the planning authority.

The ‘Gazette’ first revealed proposals to expand the complex in December, 2010. At the time, HSHA had completed an asset management strategy and drawn up plans for maintenance.

This identified that Hanover Court required a substantial programme of modernisation and improvement over the next five to ten years, to ensure that it provides high quality accommodation for residents now and in the future.

As a result, the residents were moved to other properties in the area over 2011. All services to the building were consequently disconnected and the ground floor windows secured to prevent unauthorised access.

“The most cost-effective option was to close the development and rebuild new accommodation for older people on the site,” said the HSHA spokesperson.

“A number of meetings were held with each of the former residents of Hanover Court to discuss where they would wish to relocate to. Most of them have been rehoused in other Hanover developments or council properties in and around Forres, some of them have made their own arrangements.”

She added: “Once the redevelopment is complete they will be given the opportunity to relocate back to Leask Road.”