Council Discontinues Temporary Housing Project for Homeless Individuals

An initiative to construct temporary affordable residences for individuals experiencing homelessness has been discontinued. This multimillion-pound undertaking, initially disclosed in September 2023, was designed to provide housing for those requiring it in Bracknell. The proposal involved the construction of seven dwellings at a former car park situated on Opladen Way in Crown Wood. Bracknell Forest Council stated that the scheme became “financially unviable,” but confirmed it has acquired temporary lodging at various locations throughout the borough. At Opladen Way, the plan included three houses, each accommodating up to five individuals, and four flats, each for up to two individuals. These units were intended for occupation by individuals and families holding temporary homeless licenses, for durations ranging from three months to two years. Financial backing for the initiative had been obtained via the Local Authority Housing Fund, administered by the then Department of Levelling Up, Communities and Housing. Bracknell Forest Council received £1.26m from this grant, supplemented by an additional £3.4m investment from the council itself, which was used for acquiring properties on the open market. The location had previously served as an open-air storage facility, and no other uses had materialized due to its sole access point being through a petrol station. The housing plans incorporated the creation of a new entry route to ensure future residents would not need to pass through the petrol station. Helen Purnell, who serves as the council’s cabinet member for housing, commented: “The Opladen Way project unfortunately become financially unviable, after the estimated costs rose significantly above what was initially agreed.” She added: “The housing service has since secured additional temporary accommodation that meets the needs of both single people and larger families.” Ms Purnell indicated that the council has subsequently supplied seven residences for homeless households within the borough and intends to acquire an additional one in the coming weeks. She further stated that the termination of this project made funding available for other qualifying affordable housing initiatives. For updates, BBC Berkshire can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.