Rents for new homes next to Bury Knowle Park

In response to resident concern, we have asked the City Council to clarify the rents for the new social and affordable units at Lock’s Court. It seems that 5 of the originally advertised charges were not accurate and they will be re-advertised.

Here is the response we have received from the City Council.

The social rents are set around 47% of the market rent for the property type for the area. In addition to the rent, relevant service charges are also due.

The affordable housing units are set at either 60% of market rent (Lock’s Court) or 78% of market rent (the remainder). There are no service charges for the affordable units as they are considered inclusive of the rent.

As a result of these conditions, there will be always be some properties with a much higher charge than identical properties, however .. the demand for the affordable rent properties is very high nonetheless.

We have however identified a problem with the recent advertisements for the 5 affordable rent properties in that the rent shown was at 78%, not 60% as it should have been. Although the demand was high, we are aware that many applicants may have been put off from bidding because of the additional rental cost, including potentially some of those in greatest housing need. As a result, we will be re-advertising those properties with the correct rent figures. We will be contacting those who have made bids to explain and apologise for the mix up. The social rental properties advertised are unaffected.

The table below shows the correct charges for each property. The total charge includes rent debit, and where appropriate (for social housing) charges for care taking and cleaning, grounds maintenance, LL Lighting, TV and aerial repairs, and service. The affordable homes are on first floor level.

 

House No. Rental Type No of Beds Permitted number

Total Debit
1 LOCK’S COURT SOCIAL 2 4  £121.85
2 LOCK’S COURT AFFORDABLE 2 4  £142.34
3 LOCK’S COURT SOCIAL 2 4  £121.85
4 LOCK’S COURT AFFORDABLE 1 2  £124.38
5 LOCK’S COURT SOCIAL 2 4  £121.85
6 LOCK’S COURT AFFORDABLE 2 3  £142.34
7 LOCK’S COURT SOCIAL 3 5  £136.03
8 LOCK’S COURT AFFORDABLE 1 2  £124.38
9 LOCK’S COURT SOCIAL 2 3  £121.85
10 LOCK’S COURT AFFORDABLE 2 4  £142.34

 

 

Plans for proposed student accommodation at the junction of Latimer Road and London Road

Lots of people turned up to view the plans for the proposed students housing and new dwellings yesterday. It’s clear that the plans are still in process following some pre-application advice to provide alternative access to the four private properties on the site, and reappraise among other things whether some flats should be at basement level. The bulk of the development appears to be four storeys high but there is still the possibility that one section may go higher.

The main concern that came up was about sewage capability and the need to get advice from Thames Water because there are already existing problems in the area.

The timescale for the developers is still to get a full application in by December to try and hit a completion deadline of August/September 2016

Another side issue is whether the bus stop outside Dorset House might be moved further down the London Road outside this planned development to give more space for seating and bins away from the busy pedestrian crossing area

Frontier Estates have also been active in the area of Headington between Windmill Road and Kennett Road.

If you missed seeing the presentation, or you’d like an update on Frontier Estates’ plans for development in Headington, you’ll have the opportunity to ask their rep directly at next week’s Headington Ward Focus Meeting. This is on Tuesday 28 October at St Antony of Padua Hall, Headley Way, and David Morris from Frontier will be speaking at 6pm sharp.

Thames Valley Police are also sending a speaker to the meeting who will report back on operations to stop cyclists on pavements in the central shopping area.