Hello!
Welcome to our March blog about our work in Somerton.
Our last Resident Steering Group meeting was on 2 March at Nexus House, with a combination of people attending in person and online. 18 residents attended, and Terry and Andrew from Oxford Architects popped in too, to talk through the design activity we’re working on.
From the last meeting
In the last meeting, residents raised concerns about rubbish and fly-tipping in the area. We updated the group on this issue and the work we’re doing with our Estates team to fix some of the problems we’re seeing.
Community event
We also talked about our community event on 30 March. We’re really excited to be able to meet the community in person, and you can find out more about this here.
You can come and meet members of the project team, see the latest proposals and give us your feedback about any questions or concerns you have.
Damp surveys
We confirmed to the RSG that all homes who received a damp survey have now been given their results, and we have shared the overall findings in our latest newsletter, which is arriving on doorsteps this week. You can see the online version here.
Financial Advisor
We’re continuing to work with our Procurement team to explore other avenues to recruit a valuer for this project. The tender processes in November 2021 and January 2022 were unsuccessful and previous partners we have worked with historically have mainly had a focus on commercial work, rather than domestic properties. As soon as we have an update, we will let the group know.
Refurbishment activity
We are staring to carry out intrusive surveys on some of our void (empty) properties. This is because the surveys will be disruptive so not ideally suited to homes where people are living and these homes tend to have a mix of issues so will be a good representation of the types of problems we might find in other homes. This work is an important part of understanding where we may refurbish existing homes in the future, what the specification of works will need to be and the associated costs.
One resident raised concerns over intrusively surveying only void properties, as the data could influence the decision to be in favour of demolition. Being able to survey these first means we can do this work with minimal disruption to current residents.
A resident asked whether homeowners would get an opportunity to “buy into” a refurbishment project. We’re exploring the possibility of allowing homeowners to opt-in to refurbishment, and we’ll continue to look at this and provide updates.
Acacia Plans
Andrew, from Oxford Architects, talked the group through the key design elements we’re considering as part of the work at Acacia Avenue, and our reasoning behind the proposed layout.
- Through looking at data provided by Newport City Council (NCC) and our own housing teams, we’ve found that there is a very high demand for 1-bedroom properties in Somerton.
- A resident asked if we were considering 2-bedroom houses too. We explained that we’ll be looking to provide a mix of housing, including 2-bedroom homes, and we are keen for residents to have their say on this.
- Andrew shared with the group a table that showed different size homes against the Welsh Development Quality Standards (WDQS). The table demonstrated that many existing homes are smaller than current WDQR standards, so this will be a major factor in our future design work.
- Concerns were raised in the meeting about car parking arrangements. Comments were made that some already struggle with a shortage of space, and that many households have more than one vehicle.
- We’re going to be working closely with NCC Highways Department and looking to appoint a Transport Consultant who can help us more.
- A resident asked about the current situation with homeowners, and whether we might want to bring in Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs). We confirmed that we’re going to continue working with homeowners of a voluntary basis.
- Another resident asked for a breakdown of NCH and privately owned properties, but this is not something we’re able to provide due to issues of confidentiality and data protection.
- A resident commented that the shop shown on the design was not located near the older persons accommodation and this could be problematic and unsafe for them to access it.
- Andrew explained that the location of the shop is yet to be agreed, and we will be working with the community and the shop keeper to finalise its location when we further explore design options.
What process we are going through to get to the final design?
We want the SG and residents to input directly into the design and for us to work together to help build a final design that’s right for everyone. We’ll do this through continuing our SG meetings and holding community events, now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing.
Andrew showed the group examples of some homes and designs that have been used on other developments to gauge whether the SG would be happy regarding the style of homes that could be a possibility. Feedback from the group was positive.
You can see the March minutes in full here.
Community event – Wednesday 30 March
It’s been a very long time since we’ve been able to meet in person because of COVID-19, but now that restrictions have eased, we’re looking forward to holding our first face-to-face event in Somerton as part of our ongoing work in the community.
We want to make sure residents get the chance to have a look at our plans for the regeneration and development of the community, and for you to have your say on what happens next.
Come and meet members of the project team, ask any questions you might have and chat to one of our surveyors about your home.
And why not bring the kids along too?
Happy Hands Club: 3pm – 4pm
The Happy Hands Club are joining us between 3-4pm for toddlers to explore, dance and wiggle to music! The group run interactive, fun-filled sessions to support development for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. This activity will be suitable for ages 0-5.
Magician Adam Richards: 4pm - 6pm
We’ve also managed to bag one of the best magicians and performers around, Adam Richards!
Adam will be at the Hope Centre from 4-6pm to amaze and entertain with his box of tricks – make sure you get there in plenty of time to get a good seat!
Find out more about the community event here: Calling Somerton residents – come along to our community event! | (newportcityhomes.com)
We hope that this blog has been useful – if you have any questions, or if there’s anything you’d like us to cover in future blogs, please get in touch with us at community@newportcityhomes.com.
Thanks,
The Somerton team