South Somerset Homes to begin further discussions with residents regarding the Northbrook Road Regeneration Scheme
27 March 2006

Local housing association South Somerset Homes, who have plans to regenerate large areas of the Northbrook area in Yeovil, are to begin discussions with residents on some phases of the redevelopment and provide updates regarding other phases of the redevelopment. The scheme proposals, which have the support of the Local Authority, will all follow extensive tenant consultation.

Phase G (Northbrook Road, Yeovil) proposes the building of twelve 1 x bedroom flats. Initial consultation with residents affected has already been carried out and further one to one consultation will now take place now that the scheme design has been finalised. The proposed scheme replaces the small existing Community Room and 4 flats that are no longer suitable for sheltered housing.

Phase P (Johnson Flats, Yeovil) is a cleared garage site. South Somerset Homes have conducted a number of feasibility studies for the development of this site and will shortly be consulting with residents with regards to these proposals to obtain their views.

A new planning application is being put together regarding Phases A, B and C (Lowther Road/Wellbeck Road, Yeovil). The primary reason for the initial planning application being refused was highway issues. Traffic management surveys had been commissioned but were not complete. These are ongoing and once finalised will form part of a new application. The new application will also take on board points raised by the local Residents Action Group.

Ms Jay Lambe, Development Manager at South Somerset Homes said, “It is envisaged that the regeneration of this area of Northbrook will take at least 3-5 years to accomplish.

Due to the size and nature of the scheme there will be comprehensive public consultation both by means of Open Days, which will explain the broad concepts, and on a one to one basis as schemes become finalised and begin to move forward.

The first Open Day, which was held in February, was a huge success with over 160 residents attending. We are planning another open day in the autumn of this year when we will be able to discuss the details of the other phases.”

Geoff Atkinson, Chief Executive, South Somerset Homes said, “The environment in this part of Yeovil is beginning to look tired. Some areas are under utilised, for example old garage sites, and these areas often become magnets for anti social behaviour and crime.

South Somerset Homes is going to invest large sums of money to regenerate not only the bricks and mortar but also it will help the community itself. We can help design out crime and thereby reduce the fear of crime and, most importantly of all; we can provide desperately needed affordable homes for local people.

The major investment by South Somerset Homes is not only for the benefit of current residents, it's also for their sons and daughters for the next 50 years.”