Eyesore building to be demolished to make way for new starter homes

Plans to demolish a derelict eyesore building to make way for new housing have moved a step closer.

The former Whitleigh Community Centre, which has been disused for the past seven years and subject to vandalism, will be knocked down to prepare the groundwork for 27 new starter homes.

An Executive Decision was signed by Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council, to approve work to begin on clearing and site preparation for the new homes.

The Government recently announced £407,825 funding via the Homes and Communities Agency to help Plymouth City Council pave the way for the new Starter Homes, which are part of a national initiative to help young first-time buyers (below 40 years) to purchase a home with a minimum 20% discount off the market place.

Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet Member for Cooperatives and Housing for Plymouth City Council, said: “It is fantastic that we can get started on this work, which will help provide new housing in the city. We are committed to delivering more local homes for local people.

“As well as bringing forward development on a stalled site and providing more housing for local people, this will bring back into use a site that has been subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour since the Whitleigh Community Centre closed in 2008.”

Councillor John Taylor, Cabinet Member for Transformation and Customer Services for Plymouth City Council, said: “As a forward thinking council we are working hard to transform the city for the better and by making use of this derelict site to provide Starter Homes – which is also a new national priority – we are showing once again that we are leading the way.”

For more information on Starter Homes visit http://www.new-homes.co.uk/starter-homes/