Sheltered housing sale plan set to move forward

Plans from Charnwood Borough Council to sell five sheltered housing schemes are set to move forward.

The council's cabinet is recommended by officers to approve proposals on Thursday to dispose of five complexes for people over the age of 60 in a way considered to be "most economic".

According to a report prepared by the council, it would dispose of Block A Fielding Court in Loughborough, Babington Court in Rothley, Martin Court in Anstey, Sorrell Court in Mountsorrel and St Peter's Court in Syston.

The report stated the 45 remaining residents in the complexes would be supported to find alternative accommodation and would receive appropriate financial compensation.

It added occupancy of the schemes has "worsened over time" because the accommodation "does not meet modern standards".

The minority Labour-run council's website details that, if the proposals proceed, it intended to start moving tenants in these locations to other properties in 2026, and said they would be "fully" supported.

In March 2025, the council decided - subject to further consultation with tenants - it would adopt a strategy of disposal of sheltered accommodation at the five complexes.

It also previously decided it would market Fielding Court Block A to a registered social housing provider, however, the council stated this was unsuccessful with providers raising "viability concerns".

A report prepared for the meeting on Thursday, said if the proposals were approved, it would sell the complexes through a market sale in the manner considered to be "most economic".

It said feedback had also been reflected on and options for retaining or remodelling the five schemes, which had an occupancy rate of 57%, had been "explored and exhausted".

It said they were "neither practical or affordable" to deliver due to the age, layout, and construction of the existing accommodation.

The authority added the receipts from the sales would be used to purchase or acquire new dwellings, with a view to meeting housing need and maximising rental income.

A spokesperson for Charnwood Borough Council said: "We fully appreciate this situation affects people's homes, and we are supporting tenants and engaging with them as much as possible.

"We have examined all options for the five schemes. However, the schemes cannot viably be remodelled or redeveloped due to costs.

"The council has actively promoted the sites to tenants for a number of years, but we know from various consultations and feedback, that many tenants do not want sheltered accommodation, in particular bedsits with shared bathing facilities.

"Even before we put a hold on people moving into these schemes in 2025, there was a historically high number of vacant units.

"Should the council proceed with the sale of the five schemes, there would still be eight sheltered schemes plus a range of accommodation for over 60s."

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