Majority of tenants support being moved from aging high rise blocks

Proposals to decommission six of Swindon Borough Council’s high‑rise residential blocks and rehouse tenants in alternative accommodation will be considered by Cabinet next week (4 March).

The six tower blocks - Hatherleigh Court, Seagry Court, Milverton Court, Torrington Court, Cleverton Court and Upavon Court - are more than 60 years old. Recent building surveys confirm they have reached the end of their architectural lifespan.

Extensive engagement with tenants was carried out last year. Of the 85 per cent of households who completed a survey, a clear majority (79 per cent) said they would prefer to move to alternative housing.

The report notes: “Frustration amongst residents has mounted due to declining accommodation standards, and across the consultation exercises there is a clear mandate expressed that the majority of residents would prefer to live elsewhere and support the decommissioning of the blocks.”

If approved, all secure tenant households would receive a full package of rights and protections under the Housing Act 1985 and the Land Compensation Act 1973.

These include:

• the right to be rehoused in accommodation suitable in size, location and any necessary adaptations
• a statutory home-loss payment for tenants who have lived in their property for at least 12 months

The Council would also be required to compulsory purchase 10 leaseholder-owned properties within the blocks, acquired previously through the Right to Buy scheme. Housing officers would meet with leaseholders to ensure they understand their rights and options.

The cost of decommissioning the blocks and rehousing residents would be funded through the Council’s Housing Revenue Account, which ring‑fences rental income for the management and maintenance of tenants’ homes.

A separate decision will be made at a later date on the long‑term future of the sites.

Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, said:

“If approved, these plans will finally call time on the Council’s aging high‑rise blocks, which have served their purpose over the last 60 years.

“The majority of tenants have told us clearly that they would prefer to live elsewhere - and we are acting on that feedback.

“We committed, through the Swindon Plan, to ensure everyone has a decent home. Decommissioning these blocks will remove outdated, poor‑quality accommodation from our social housing stock.

“If Cabinet agrees the proposals, we will fully support and compensate tenants as they move to safe, modern homes that better meet their needs.”