New homes in Brighton

£2.4M homes scheme is final phase of hospital redevelopment

Twenty-four new affordable homes have been built in the final phase of the Westbourne Hospital redevelopment.

Striking five storey Foxglove Court, a £2.4M development, has been built on the site of the former Pioneer House care home at Burstead Close, Brighton.

It will provide eight one bedroom apartments, 14 two bedroom and two three bedroom much-needed new affordable homes for rent.

In 2007 national affordable housing provider Affinity Sutton was granted planning permission to demolish Westbourne Hospital and replace it with new affordable housing. As part of the redevelopment residents from the original Pioneer House care home were also relocated at the Westbourne site in new purpose-built accommodation.

Affinity Sutton worked closely with Brighton and Hove City Council, Miller Bourne Architects and contractors Mansell to develop the scheme which received more than £1.5M in funding from the Government’s Homes and Communities Agency.

The scheme has achieved the Government’s Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 and boasts and eco-friendly brown roof, living wall and photovoltaic panels.

Resident Sue Choppin, 51, a wheelchair user, has just moved into a specially-adapted two bedroom garden flat with her husband Brian, 54.

The couple who have been on the housing waiting list for more than two years are delighted with their new home which is equipped with a specially adapted wet room, fully adapted kitchen, window winders and light switches at the right height with specially widened doors so that there is enough space for Sue to move around freely.

She said: “This has made such a difference. Previously we were in a flat, which wasn’t adapted, and I was stuck in a bedroom all day. It is the difference between night and day and has helped to give me some freedom back.”

Joyce Ferguson, Regional Development Director for Affinity Sutton, said: “As a business for social purpose we’re committed to tackling the housing shortage in Brighton and Hove and providing well-designed, desirable homes that meet people’s housing needs.”

Councillor Liz Wakefield, Executive Member for Housing at Brighton & Hove City Council, said: “It’s great news that wheelchair user Sue now has a specially adapted home with wider doorways and light switches at the right height which will make a huge difference to her life and give her greater freedom.

“We face a chronic shortage of housing in Brighton and Hove so each new development helps and what’s more it’s good news that these homes have eco-friendly features such as photovoltaic panels.”