Council officers are seeking the green light to consult tenants over whether to shut an elderly persons' housing scheme that falls inside major regeneration plans.

Beech Tree Place, which consists of 20 flats that were built 60 years ago in 1958, have been deemed unfit for purpose by Sutton Council.

It is also one of seven housing estates which fall within the boundaries of the Sutton Local Plan and Town Centre Master Plan, a huge redevelopment scheme of the area.

But councillors at a housing, economy, and business (HEB) committee meeting will be asked whether officers can consult tenants on the proposed closure amid hopes of building 115 new homes.

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The homes in Beech Tree Place. Photo: Google Maps / Street View

In a report, Mary Morrissey, Sutton Council’s strategic director for environment, housing, and regeneration, said: “The regeneration of this site would create better quality housing, a better environment for residents and more homes for local people, will supporting the revitalisation of the town centre.

“Given Beech Tree Place’s location within the town centre, it has ‘allocated site’ status – mixed residential and retail use – within the Sutton Local Plan.

“Over the last 10 years, there has been a rolling review of the council’s older persons – formerly called sheltered – housing stock to ensure it remains fit for purpose into the future and continues to support the borough’s housing strategy.

“There is concern about the fitness for purpose of Beech Tree Place as older people’s housing, in view of its low standards of accessibility for tenants with mobility needs.”

According to an external surveyor’s report, it would cost nearly £1.5 million to bring Beech Tree Place’s four two-bedroomed flats and eight ground floor studios up to “wheelchair standard”.

In addition, the projected major work costs over the next three decades for it to remain compliant have “more than doubled” – rising from £600 per year to £1,500.

It’s also insisted, in the report, that there is a “good, sufficient, existing” supply of alternative housing for people in Sutton already – including several owned by the council and other providers.

Ms Morrissey added: “In general terms, it’s considered that Beech Tree Place has reached the end of its life as an older persons housing scheme.

“Although the scheme provides comfortable accommodation for a number of tenants, it’s not suitable to meet the future needs of current or future tenants.”

Officers have already advised tenants that they are planning to get approval ahead of the meeting tomorrow (September 25).

Councillors at the HEB committee have been recommended to approve plans to consult tenants over Beech Tree Place’s closure.

Feedback would be given at a future meeting and, in the event of Beech Tree Place closing, flats becoming empty would become temporary accommodation.

To see the report, click here.