PRC Homes

Somer Community Housing Trust owns over 435 Pre-cast Reinforced Concrete (PRC) houses and flats in Bath and Keynsham.

PRC homes were built in large numbers in the post-war years and the Trust owns a number of different types in a variety of locations. As a result of structural problems either in the concrete used in their construction, or due to the corrosion of the steel reinforcement within the concrete, the properties have been technically classed as defective.

While no immediate structural problems are apparent, the properties have a limited life in their current form. The options available to deal with these problems are to either refurbish the properties or to demolish them and redevelop the area with brand new homes.

The Board’s decision on 31st October 2006 followed extensive consultation with residents earlier that year. A detailed study of the financial viability of the redevelopment options informed the decision to redevelop five of the six areas.

In summary, the proposals for the six areas are as follows:

  • Caernarvon Road, Keynsham – redevelopment
  • Amberley Close / Lulworth Road, Keynsham – redevelopment
  • All other PRC properties in Keynsham – refurbishment
  • Pennyquick View, Hinton Close, Twerton – redevelopment
  • Southlands, Weston – redevelopment
  • Holcombe Green, Weston – redevelopment

Redevelopment will involve demolishing some of the existing buildings and building a mixture of new properties in their place. Where a property adjoins a privately-owned home (e.g. a semi-detached house or flat), it will be refurbished.

The increased number of homes will provide additional affordable housing in Bath and North East Somerset and regenerate their neighbourhoods.

Contractor selection

The Trust has selected affordable housing and neighbourhood regeneration specialist Lovell as its preferred partner to build all of the new homes.

 

Lovell logo

Lovell, which has offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leatherhead, Leeds, London, Manchester, Merseyside, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Stockton-on-Tees and Tamworth, is Britain’s leading provider of affordable housing. Lovell is part of top five UK construction and regeneration group Morgan Sindall plc which operates through five specialist divisions of fit out, construction, infrastructure services, affordable housing and urban regeneration.

Lovell website.

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