Cabinet to discuss decommissioning six tower blocks in Swindon
Tenants back move from aging high-rise blocks in Swindon
Swindon Borough Council is set to discuss proposals that could see six aging high-rise residential blocks decommissioned and tenants rehoused in modern accommodations.
Scheduled for 4th March, the Cabinet meeting will consider moving tenants from blocks that are more than 60 years old and have been deemed at the end of their architectural lifespan.
The affected tower blocks are Hatherleigh Court, Seagry Court, Milverton Court, Torrington Court, Cleverton Court, and Upavon Court.
Extensive engagement with tenants conducted last year revealed that a significant majority of households are in favor of moving.
Of the respondents, 79 percent expressed a preference for relocating to alternative housing.
The report highlights complaints regarding declining accommodation standards and notes that tenants strongly support the move from the aging blocks.
Under the proposed plan, secure tenant households would receive comprehensive rights and protections provided under the Housing Act 1985 and the Land Compensation Act 1973.
These rights include rehousing in suitable accommodation and a statutory home-loss payment for tenants residing in their property for at least 12 months.
Furthermore, the Council would engage with leaseholders of the 10 properties within the blocks that were acquired through the Right to Buy scheme, ensuring they understand their rights and options.
The cost of decommissioning the buildings and relocating residents would be covered by the Council’s Housing Revenue Account.
The future of the sites will be decided separately.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “If approved, these plans will finally call time on the Council’s aging high-rise blocks, which have served their purpose over the last 60 years.
The majority of tenants have told us clearly that they would prefer to live elsewhere - and we are acting on that feedback.
We committed, through the Swindon Plan, to ensure everyone has a decent home. Decommissioning these blocks will remove outdated, poor-quality accommodation from our social housing stock.
If Cabinet agrees the proposals, we will fully support and compensate tenants as they move to safe, modern homes that better meet their needs.”