Assheton Court, Portchester: Wet weather to blame for building delays, says Fareham council
Wet weather is to blame for the delay in building retirement flats, a council has said.
The Assheton Court development was due to be completed this summer or autumn, but “exceptionally” wet weather is expected to push the completion date back.
However, the length of the delay is yet to be confirmed by Fareham Borough Council.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The exceptionally wet winter period has inevitably had an impact on the programme.
“The council is working closely with the council’s employers’ agent and the build contractors to take opportunities to minimise the overall delays to the project, whilst also ensuring our expectations on quality are not compromised.”
During the council’s housing advisory panel on March 24, councillors heard that windows and doors on the ground, first, and second floors of the west wing of the site are complete, while balcony works are ongoing.
Meanwhile, the “second to third floor superstructure” is progressing on the east wing.
It was also discussed how the new homes will be allocated once completed.
Applicants will be assessed against set criteria, with former Assheton Court residents given priority.
Ex‑service personnel are already covered in the existing policy, the meeting heard.
A total of 77 people have already registered their interest in the development, which includes existing Fareham Housing tenants who want to downsize.
Once completed, the Portchester site will provide 60 affordable housing apartments for people aged over 55. A mix of one and two-bedroom apartments will be available.