Shepherds Bush Housing Group Defend St Margaret's House Plans

But say they are redesigning some aspects of scheme in response to local feedback

Shepherds Bush Housing Group will be holding a a drop-in afternoon and evening on 8th December at their Head Office, Mulliner House, Flanders Road, Chiswick, W4 1NN for residents to find about more about the proposed redevelopment of St Margaret’s House on Sutton Court Road, Chiswick.

In October SBHG submitted a planning application to redevelop St Margaret’s House into 26 self contained flats for young people and last week they attended the Chiswick Area Committee Meeting to hear the views of local councillors.

"Earlier in the month we met residents to hear their views and we have invited residents to visit another scheme run locally by SBHG and this invitation is being extended to other residents and councillors, "Amanda Morrison, SBHG’s Director of housing services told ChiswickW4.com.

"We are very mindful of the concerns raised during those meetings and are addressing them. This service which we tendered for, and have now submitted a planning application for, is a strategic priority for Hounslow. We will ensure the highest standards of management at the scheme.

“We have a strong local presence with a reputation for providing outstanding services. We recognise the importance of managing the impact on the surrounding neighbourhood. We always have provisions in all our tenancy agreements and licences that cover any anti social behaviour whether in our premises or the local area."

SBHG’s architects are already redesigning some aspects of the scheme in response to local residents and councillors feedback.

"It’s our proposal that St Margaret’s House will be a supported housing scheme providing 26 self contained flats for young people, as requested by the borough. The aim is to help young people prepare for independent living by offering them accommodation and professional support and guidance. Each young person will have their own flat but there will also be staff and facilities on site to provide them with training in practical skills, such as cooking and budgeting. SBHG will also offer them support and advice on getting into college, onto vocational courses, securing employment or signposting them to other specialist agencies."

According to SBHG, the needs of the young people will vary. All will be referred from Hounslow Council who would have assessed them as needing up to 10 hours support per week. Some young people will already be in employment or on a course and may only need practical support with running their own home and preparing for independence. Others may need more. All residents will be monitored and assessed weekly to make sure they are benefitting from the support and guidance provided. The maximum stay for the young people will be 24 months.

St Margaret’s House will be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SBHG proposes to have at least four staff on site during the working day and two staff during the evening and overnight. The night staff will be sleep in and there will be a concierge. No young person will have a key to the main street door, but will be let in and out of the building by staff, thus ensuring excellent control over who enters and leaves the premises. Over night visitors will not be allowed and there will always be staff on site.

The drop-in event will be on 8 December from 4pm to 8pm. Invitations will be sent to residents with an RSVP form.

November 26, 2010