Swindon Council to vote on decommissioning aged high-rise residential blocks
Majority of tenants prefer alternative housing due to declining conditions
Swindon Borough Council will soon assess proposals to decommission six high-rise residential blocks and relocate tenants to alternative accommodation. The plan will be reviewed at the Cabinet meeting on 4th March. The blocks, including Hatherleigh Court, Seagry Court, Milverton Court, Torrington Court, Cleverton Court, and Upavon Court, are over 60 years old and recently deemed past their architectural lifespan.
A survey conducted last year revealed that among the households that responded, 79 percent preferred new housing due to frustrations over declining living conditions. The consultation indicated strong support for the decommissioning of these outdated blocks.
Council documents state that secure tenant households would benefit from rights and protections under relevant housing legislation if decommissioning is approved. These include the right to appropriate rehousing and a statutory home-loss payment for tenants present for at least 12 months.
Additionally, the council will proceed with compulsory purchases of ten leaseholder-owned properties acquired through the Right to Buy scheme. Housing officers will guide leaseholders regarding their rights and options during the transition.
Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, affirmed commitment to providing better housing solutions:
“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. We committed, through the Swindon Plan, to ensure everyone has a decent home.”
Funding for decommissioning and rehousing will come from the Council’s Housing Revenue Account, which allocates rental income toward property management and maintenance. Decisions concerning the long-term future of these sites will be made separately.
If the Cabinet approves the proposals, Swindon Borough Council aims to replace deteriorating housing with modern, safe homes, aligning with tenant preferences and enhancing social housing quality in the area.