The detached house next the shops on Wootton Road, the one with the white shiplap boarding, has just been demolished. I liked that house but am told it had structural problems and was beyond saving.
There is planning consent for it to be replaced with 3 x one bedroom and 5 x two bedroom apartments.
On Northcourt Road, next to the entrance to Fitzharrys School, another detached house, described on the planning application as “of no great merit, and could not justify retention” is being replaced by 4 x one bedroom and 3 x two bedroom flats. That development is further advanced.
The redevelopment of Mayott House, an old people’s home, on Ock Street, is also advancing. Foundations are laid. Some first floor walls are up.
There will be 4 apartments to purchase, prices from £102,500, and 36 apartments to rent.
In this quick roundup of the new housing, being built in Abingdon, there is room for the elderly, and some smaller apartments, but not that much for young families.
Maybe it will get a few folks to downsize and open up some larger homes for families.
I do hope that what is being put in place is “of great merit”; I agree with the previous post that it may free up housing. However, for the planning authority to talk about “great merit” invites us to look at what it has granted permission for.
There is some excellent modern housing around which is of high accomplishment; I don’t see so much of it in Abingdon, unfortunately.
While I agree homes are needed and family homes are desperately needed. It is a shame that these larger homes, that could be turned into flats are being knocked down. With that there is a loss of much needed green space a loss to both people and wildlife