Sheltered Accommodation Proposed for Former Ashcroft House Site in Shoreham

A collaborative initiative between Adur District Council and Worthing Homes has put forward a proposal for the construction of numerous social housing units intended for elderly residents in Shoreham. According to the council, the former location of Ashcroft House, a property previously owned by the council and razed earlier in the current year, is slated for redevelopment into 56 sheltered accommodation apartments, comprising both one and two-bedroom layouts. Every one of these residential units would be assigned to individuals listed on Adur’s housing register, who would subsequently enter into tenancy agreements with the housing association. The plans outline that Worthing Homes would receive a 250-year lease for the Kingston Lane parcel of land, which additionally encompasses eight unoccupied council bungalows, for a sum of £500,000. This arrangement is contingent upon Worthing Homes obtaining the necessary planning permission, and it also necessitates financial backing from Homes England. The occupants of the 21 apartments within Ashcroft House were relocated in 2020, following an evaluation that determined the structure required immediate and substantial enhancements to its fire safety systems. Ashcroft House was subsequently torn down this year, clearing the way for the site’s redevelopment. Should these plans receive approval, construction could commence on the site in 2025, with prospective residents anticipated to occupy their new dwellings in 2027. Councillor Lee Cowen, who serves as Adur’s cabinet member for housing and citizen services, stated: “Working with Worthing Homes will allow us to create affordable accommodation for some of our older Adur residents, while keeping costs manageable.” Donna Cezair, chief executive of Worthing Homes, commented: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with Adur District Council on such a prestigious and much-needed scheme.”