Major housing scheme for older people faces further delays as winter looms
60 new homes are planned for older residents
A major housing scheme plagued by delays could face further challenges as it enters a difficult winter construction period.
Work on Assheton Court in Portchester is ongoing, with Fareham Borough Council officers saying the project is slightly behind schedule and forecasting an overspend. The latest update on the development was given to councillors at the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board meeting on October 26.
The scheme will replace the former Assheton Court later living development, which contained 33 units, with 60 new homes planned for older residents.
Councillors were previously told that unusually wet and hot weather had delayed the project. Now, officers have warned that the development is about to enter another potentially challenging period as wind and rain take hold in the winter months.
Kate Busby, from the council’s housing revenue team, said: “The Assheton Court scheme is currently underway.
“I can honestly say there is a site forecast overspend, but as I sit here today it is less than one per cent.
“In financial terms, the spend is on target, but in construction terms they are a little bit behind.”
She said council officers were working closely with the developer and the authority’s agent on site to manage costs.
Ms Busby added: “It is a big scheme, the biggest scheme I have been involved with, and I am currently unaware of any nasty things coming out of it.
“We are about to enter a difficult period for construction with all the wind and rain, but as I say, they’re really working hard on managing it.”
The latest update follows concerns over the timetable raised at the council’s housing advisory panel in September.
At the September 15 meeting, councillors heard that work had continued to progress despite delays and the building was taking shape.
People who have registered an interest in moving into the new Assheton Court are being kept informed about progress and any changes to the timetable.
The redevelopment will almost double the number of homes previously provided on the site, increasing the total from 33 to 60.