25 February 2010
Respond members have an outstanding track record in replacing outdated and redundant stock with new affordable housing of the highest quality. Typical of this is the recently completed Mount Green HA development at Howard Close, Ashtead. The new development replaces a former sheltered housing scheme at the site where accommodation did not meet modern standards. Nick Ronald, Mount Green's Chief Executive recalls his first visit to Howard Close, before it was acquired by Mount Green, on a dark, wet, autumn day. "It was clear the properties were in much need of improvement and the facilities provided were poor by today's standards. One of the challenges was to ensure that the new development footprint remained the same as the previous scheme. This was achieved by providing 35 timber-framed, mixed tenure homes within seven blocks. Work began on the £4.4 million development in November 2008 and was finished in January 2010. The 35 one and two bedroom smart, energy efficient apartments include ten homes for New Build HomeBuy and 25 properties for affordable rent. The success of this project exemplifies the benefits of a close partnership with Mole Valley District Council and the Homes and Communities Agency who provided grant funding for the scheme. The High Sheriff of Surrey, Lady Elizabeth Toulson, opened Howard Close at an event in January 2010. Guests at the opening included Claire Safa, who is looking forward to moving into one of the new homes. Nick Ronald, chief executive of Mount Green Housing Association, said: "It was an honour to welcome the High Sheriff and Councillor Tim Hall, the chairman of Mole Valley District Council, to the opening event where we had some excellent feedback from stakeholders who took the opportunity to look round the new homes."
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