Stock transfer update
Stock Transfer Update
At the end of June, the Stock Transfer ballot in
Southhouse finally took place. Over 70% of tenants participated in the
ballot, with 82% voting in favour of transferring from the Council to
Home in Scotland Housing Association.
A process that had begun in the summer of 1998 and has
experienced numerous delays and hold-ups has now reached a conclusion.
The decision to transfer to Home in Scotland will
affect 186 households in Southhouse of which 40 are homeowners. Home in
Scotland propose an extensive refurbishment programme that will also
include environmental improvements and alterations to roads in the area.
In addition, they are planning to build 35 new houses
for rent within the area.
Although local tenants have voted resoundingly in
favour of the transfer, the decision has yet to be formally approved by
the Scottish Executive.
There are also a number of legal issues that need to
be resolved. These issues will take approximately 5 to 6 months to sort
out so it is anticipated that work will not begin until early in 2002.
The Council and Home in Scotland also have to conclude
negotiations with the homeowners in the area. These negotiations will be
taking place over the coming weeks and months with the Council holding
regular surgeries in the community flat at 26/6, Southhouse Medway.
Local residents will be informed as to when these
surgeries will be taking place. Further open days will be held during
the autumn as Home in Scotland develop their proposals for the area.
These proposals will tie in with the Council's plans for environmental
improvements in Southhouse Square and the new build housing for sale on
the demolition sites in Southhouse.
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