Homes deal for ex-hospital
Shrewsbury's affordable housing crisis has been given a boost after a firm was appointed to convert eight acres of redundant hospital land - creating up to 120 homes.
Shrewsbury's affordable housing crisis has been given a boost after a firm was appointed to convert eight acres of redundant hospital land - creating up to 120 homes.
Development agency English Partnerships has agreed a deal with developer Crest Nicholson for the former Royal Shrewsbury Hospital South site in Mytton Oak Road, Copthorne.
Councillor Malcolm Price, borough portfolio holder for housing, said he was delighted with the announcement and expected about 42 affordable homes to be created under the scheme.
The public will also shortly be able to see new plans for the land ahead of a planning application being submitted in March 2008.
The former hospital offices, wards and wartime huts that make up the old hospital site will be demolished.
The agency's senior property manager John Preston said: "English Partnerships can confirm that, subject to finalising legal agreements, we have selected Crest Nicholson as preferred developer for the redevelopment of the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, also known as the Copthorne Hospital, located to the south of Mytton Oak Road.
"The eight acre site is allocated for residential development of around 120 new homes including some affordable.
"Local people will have the opportunity to see outline plans for the scheme at a public exhibition Crest Nicholson will hold, ahead of submitting the planning application in March.
"Work is currently under way on the site to divert the utility services to the adjacent Shropshire County PCT site."
The NHS used the site for health services and offices until late 2005.
Councillor Price said: "As far as I am aware it will be 35 per cent affordable homes and it's an allocated site as per the Local Plan.
"I am delighted because any schemes coming forward with affordable housing will help."
Mr Price said work to convert the site had been anticipated for some time and said it was one of a number of large-scale developments throughout the town.
Crest Nicholson has increased its nationwide affordable housing programme. It says it will now build more than 1,000 homes per year.
By Russell Roberts
