Forum Topic

Temporary Accommodation in Alton Estate.

Does anyone know who this is aimed at?The university has been busy building new student rooms for years; are they no longer necessary? The front page article says that;‘The scheme involves student accommodation blocks….being converted to provide around 212 rooms with en-suite and kitchenette facilities. They would be offered to Wandsworth Council for it to provide homes for those in need of temporary accommodation.’Is this just more bluff and bluster to disguise the fact that no meaningful progress is being made on the Alton Estate?By meaningful, I don’t mean bathtubs of flowers, meadow grass and illumination of the bull! I mean proper progress to enable the residents there to know what the future holds so they can get on with their lives in decent homes (not under maintained mould holes).

Gerry Boyce ● 419d7 Comments

The more likely explanation is that the flats are designated for people on the housing list at risk of homelessness with the hope that new flats will be completed for these people to be moved into later on as part of the council's home building programme.

Peter Higgins ● 404d

Coincidentally, I came across a Labour Party leaflet recently, that was handed out in the West-Putney by-election a few days ago.Under a bubble called "Stronger Communities" it refers to 'two brand new libraries' and 'Borough of sanctuary for refugees'.Can anyone throw some light on either of these points; the leaflet gives no further info.Do these even relate in any specific way to West Putney at all?

Gerry Boyce ● 411d

Coincidentally, I was passed this recently; apparently this leaflet was handed out in the West Putney by-election a few days ago.Under the section 'Stronger communities', it refers to 'two brand new libraries' and 'Borough of sanctuary for refugees'Can anyone throw some light on either of these points?Do they relate in any way to West Putney at all?

Gerry Boyce ● 411d

I notice that The Wandsworth Sanctuary Strategy Statement says; 'The Home Office is responsible for sourcing dispersal accommodation for asylum seekers, and as of May 2023 there were approximately 40 asylum seekers accommodated in the borough in a combination of contingency and dispersal accommodation. This relatively low number reflects the costs of private rented properties in the borough and the difficulties securing accommodation available at Local Housing Allowance Rates.' 'However, the Home Office has announced its intention to move to a full dispersal model of accommodations for asylum seekers and ending the use of contingency site. This is likely to see the number of asylum seekers accommodated in Wandsworth increase significantly.'The only comment I am making regarding the above, is that, if the intention is to use the student accommodation in Alton to house refugees as part of the above policy, then why not make it clear in the planning application, so that the host community, including the houses for the elderly, are fully aware of the proposals and can make informed comments?If this is not part of the above Sanctuary Scheme, then what is the council doing to accommodate the significant increase in numbers of asylum seekers that they have mentioned?

Gerry Boyce ● 413d

Perhaps this application has some connection with Wandsworth Borough of Sanctuary. The Council website says:'We are committed to becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, one which supports and welcomes refugees and asylum seekers. Later in the year, we will publish a strategy outlining our approach and the specific actions we will take to achieve this status.'Does anyone here know anything about this?

Gerry Boyce ● 413d

spot on

Anne Kearns ● 416d

A bit ironic that former student accomodation could become temporary housing when hundreds of family flats on Alton have been converted into student accomodation by leaseholders ( who hold multiple leases and purchased these properties for exactly that purpose.

Andy Pike ● 418d