Affordable homes in Kington approved

Plans to demolish a residential care facility and build 12 affordable homes at Kingswood Hall, Kingswood Road, Kington, have been approved by Herefordshire Council’s northern area planning sub-committee meeting on July 25.

The application by South Shropshire Housing Association was deferred at the meeting on May 29 for a site visit to be carried out.

A Kington Housing Needs Survey published in July 2004 identified a need for 61 affordable homes.

An information day was held on July 20, 2007,  when Herefordshire Council’s strategic housing team met Kington residents to discuss their need for affordable homes.

The affordable homes to be provided on the site will be a mix of rented (six) and shared ownership (six) flats, homes and bungalows.

The site ceased use as a residential care home in 2003 because much of the accommodation had become obsolete and failed to meet the necessary standards. Before this, the site was used by the Kington Poor Law Union Workhouse until about 1962.

Twelve letters of objection were received.