Following Dean Russell MP’s recent petition in Parliament, he met with Anchor Chief Executive Sarah Jones, at Kytes Drive to discuss protection of the properties for use of the most vulnerable.
The meeting with Anchor provided Dean with an opportunity to share the concerns of Kytes Drive residents directly around current plans and its long term future use.
Dean robustly raised local residents concerns regarding the current plans with a particular focus on bungalows and cottages to ensure the voice of residents were clearly outlined to Anchor’s Chief Executive.
The meeting followed Dean’s petition in Parliament last October highlighting the concerns of the community that protections were needed to be reintroduced, via a covenant or other legally binding means, to ensure the estate is protected long term for use by older residents, veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Leading up to the recent meeting both Dean and Anchor agreed to advocate for an agreement with the council over nomination rights. This measure is more robust than a traditional covenant and will safeguard the unique and diverse needs of the community and to promote inclusivity in the new housing development for the most vulnerable.
Dean commented after the meeting, ‘I will always put constituents first and ensured the range of local concerns were made clearly. With regards to the protections for the site, I am pleased that Anchor has been receptive to the concerns raised by myself on behalf of residents, and today's meeting solidified their commitment to working collaboratively with the council to incorporate a legally binding agreement. This would ensure that the Kytes Estate regeneration project will provide purpose-built and well-maintained accommodation for people over the age of 55, those with disabilities, veterans and their families.
I will continue to fight for the rights and protection for local residents and the most vulnerable. Anchorconfirmed that they will work with the Council to secure a sensitive local authority lettings agreement that prioritises future lettings on a redeveloped Kytes Drive estate for disabled and veteran housing needs via a nominations agreement.
I appreciate this isn’t everything Kytes Drive residents want in the short term but it is a significant and important long term win for our community. I appreciated Anchor listening and acting on mine and residents’ concerns.’
Sarah Jones, Chief Executive of Anchor, said: “I was very pleased to meet Dean Russell MP at Kytes Drive to discuss the proposed regeneration of the estate and provide reassurance that we are pursuing a sensitive local authority lettings agreement that prioritises future lettings on a redeveloped Kytes Drive estate for disabled and veteran housing needs. This will be linked to any planning approval and ensure increased provision of specialist housing for the local community.
“As England’s largest not for profit provider of specialist housing and care for people in later life, our proposal to regenerate the Kytes Drive estate is driven by a need to create more and better social housing for the local community. The regeneration will create more better quality, energy efficient homes for current and future residents fit-for-purpose, while fostering intergenerational communities and doubling the amount of affordable housing on the estate. Crucially, the proposals will also double the amount of social accommodation provided at the Kytes Estate.
“We are committed to providing homes where people love living in later life and the well-being of our residents is paramount, so we look forward to continuing to work closely with Dean and residents as plans for the estate progress.”
Whilst Kytes Drive is a unique and thriving community, Anchor has identified significant opportunities for rejuvenation. This includes the preservation of the Grade II Listed Kytes House; improving the accessibility and biodiversity of the existing landscape; replacing structurally deficient bungalows with fit for-purpose, energy efficient homes; and fostering intergenerational communities via much needed affordable & sustainable retirement homes. Crucially, the proposals submitted would double the amount of social accommodation provided at the Kytes estate providing the local community of Watford with more genuinely affordable accommodation.
ENDS
