Housing Corporation Announces Funding For Basingstoke Regeneration Projects

30 March 2006 -

The Housing Corporation has given partial funding approval to enable Sentinel Housing Association to move forward two key housing regeneration schemes in the Basingstoke area.

Following the announcement of its allocation of Social Housing Grant for the South East of England, the Housing Corporation has:
• agreed to fund two of the three proposed phases of the regeneration of the Ashland Estate at Bishops Green, and,
• agreed to put the rented housing element of the regeneration project at Longfellow Parade in Popley on a reserve list for funding, although at this stage, it is not clear when the funding for this will become available. Funding has not been made available for the wholesale redevelopment.

Over the last few years, Sentinel has been working closely with Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and residents to draw up plans to improve and renew the Ashland Estate in Bishops Green and to regenerate Longfellow Parade in Popley.

Following the approval of outline planning permission for both schemes by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council in July 2005, Sentinel Housing Association made an application to the Housing Corporation for funding of the projects.

Based on the funding that has now been agreed, Sentinel Housing Association will be working with its Board, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council and residents to agree a way forward for each of these projects.  On both schemes the next step will be to appoint designers and consult on designs for the detailed planning application stage.

Sentinel’s Head of Development and Asset Management Julie Porter said: “These projects are the culmination of many years work with local residents and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. 

“Whilst we are disappointed not to have received full funding initially for both of these projects, we remain committed to improving these neighbourhoods for the residents and will be working hard to ensure the projects move forward as quickly as is feasible.”

The council’s Head of Regeneration and Design Tim Boschi said: “These projects aim to make a real difference for the people living in these neighbourhoods.  The involvement of residents in making decisions about the future of the places where they live is a driving factor for the council.

“Following the funding announcement, we will be working with Sentinel and the local communities to explore the options so that we find the best way forward for both of these areas.”