Important information for Shaftesbury residents (Blaen-y-pant) - June 2021

Important information for residents

Shaftesbury Blaen-y-pant

Hello, This booklet contains important information for you about the work Newport City Homes is carrying out in Blaen-y-pant.

We have considered this option in your area and have found that it is not suitable.

As this may affect leaseholders as well as tenants, we are sending this information pack to each household.

We’re writing to you because we think that your block – which we call an ‘Easiform’ block – may need some work carried out in the future. We have written to you previously about this, in February and April.

In February, we held our first online sessions for residents to come and talk to us about what this work might look like.

In these sessions, we told you that we’re looking at three options:

Option one: Take no action It may be that homes in your block may need ongoing general day to day repairs and nothing more. In this situation, we wouldn’t carry out any additional work outside of our normal planned maintenance schedule.

Option two: Refurbishment Our second option could be to carry out refurbishment works on your property and block.

This may be straightforward repairs as needed or more extensive work - for example, adding more space to the buildings or making changes to the layout of your block.

Option three: Building new homes If we find that your property needs a significant level of work, we may need to look at building new homes instead of refurbishment. This option might involve some demolition of existing homes.

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Information for residents

Missed the first session?

If you missed our first online session, don’t worry. You can scan the QR code with your smartphone camera to view the recording.

Building the three options To help us gather as much information as possible, we have: • Looked at the information we currently hold on your block • Carried out a series of surveys in your area to collect the latest information • Engaged with residents affected by this work to understand how you feel about your home and local area This has helped us to create detailed options on each of the three areas.

This booklet includes: • Which surveys we have carried out and why • What the surveys have told us • A summary of your feedback about your home and local area • Detailed information on each of the options, and what these may mean for you • Information on next steps, including when our next online sessions will be taking place • Details on how you can contact us with any questions or concerns

We know that this is an uncertain time for residents and leaseholders, and that there are many different views about changes you would like to see. We want to make sure that we have fully investigated each option, and that we have taken all resident feedback on board before making any decisions.

We would encourage you to read through the options in full and think about any questions you have.

We’d like to invite you to an online Zoom meeting on Monday 28 June at 3pm.

During this session, we’ll talk through the options and answer any questions you have.

Cant attend the session? Don’t worry - there are several ways you can get in touch with us listed on page 12.

The options and your feedback will be shared with the NCH Board in July, and we’ll be able to confirm which option we’ll be taking forward during August/September.

We really appreciate your patience whilst we carry out this work, and I hope to see you at the online session.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Kind regards,

It’s important to know that we haven’t made any decisions on which option we will be taking forward at this time.

Rachel George Head of Regeneration at Newport City Homes

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What surveys and work have we carried out?

These are the different surveys we have carried out to help develop our options.

Condition surveys look at the general condition of properties, including kitchens, bathrooms and any damp issues Structural surveys help us see if there are any structural issues that may need addressing Topographical surveys help us accurately plot the locations and levels of buildings Floorplans and Measured Surveys help us accurately measure homes and review whether they met current space standards and whether layouts meet fire regulations Drainage CCTV surveys have been carried out by placing cameras in drains to check their condition 4

Information for residents

Ground Investigation surveys allow us to assess the ground conditions of area to determine whether any contamination is present, and if any remedial works are needed. It also confirms what type of foundations are required should we progress with a regeneration option Tree surveys have been carried out to assess the quality of the trees around your building to make sure they are safe and worthy of retention and highlight their root protection areas (areas where no development should take place) Further wall tie surveys have also been commissioned to understand the condition of the ties that join together the cavity walls in properties Additional Damp surveys have been commissioned to help us to understand the severity and cause of the damp identified in the condition survey Local housing need the existing Easiform blocks comprise entirely of two-bed flats. There is a need locally for one-bed accommodation as well as two and three-bed houses

What did the surveys tell us?

The surveys confirm that the structure of your building is safe.

However, we have identified some issues which may need to be looked at, to make sure homes are suitable now and in the future. The issues identified are: • Some cracking has been identified in the external walls of the blocks, so we have carried out further surveys to assess the condition of the ties that join the cavity wall together (known as wall ties) • The roofs are deteriorating and would benefit from some repair works

• Tree surveys confirmed that the trees surrounding the site are in good condition • Homes currently meet energy ratings of EPC C and have mid thermal performance. This means that homes do not retain heat as effectively as they could

• Damp has been identified so further damp surveys have been commissioned to understand the cause and severity of the problem

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Your views and feedback It’s important to us that we’re able to listen to your views and take them on board.

We know that this is your home and community, so your opinion is really important for us to understand when considering what work may need to take place.

We’ve written out to you to keep you informed through newsletters and updates and have also delivered online sessions which have been recorded, so those that couldn’t attend could still see what had been said.

We recently wrote out to you, giving you the opportunity to feedback to us through surveys via the telephone, online or on a paper form that could be posted to us. 23 residents responded to our survey and these are the main things we learned from what you told us: How satisfied are you with your homes?

Extremely satisfied

60.9%

Very satisfied Moderately satisfied Slightly satisfield Not at all satisfied

21.8% 4.3% 8.7% 4.3%

Your home

You told us that the main things you like about your home are: • The size and layout of your property

You also told us that the main things you disliked about your home are: • The quality of the windows and doors • Gardens being too big to maintain • A lack of access to the back garden directly from your home Your dislikes:

Garden too big Kitchen is dated

Noise issues

Drains

Uneven Garden Property too small Steep entry stairs

Noise issues

Pipes and electrics exposed outside No patio

My home

Having a garden

Small Kitchen

Damp

Garden slope

Road access No back door to access garden Lack of fencing/Condition of fencing

Windows & Doors poor/draughty 6

Information for residents

Your area How satisfied are you with your local area?

Extremely satisfied Very satisfied

65.2% 4.3%

Moderately satisfied

17.4%

You told us that the main things that you disliked about your local area are: • Crime and anti-social behaviour • Parking • Litter

Slightly satisfield 0% 13.1%

Not at all satisfied

You told us the main things you like about your area are: • The outdoor space and access to nature • Good parking • Views from your area

Location

Parking

Views

You have also made us aware that you have considerable concerns around the option for possible demolition of properties and how that would impact you as residents.

We’d like to thank all residents who provided their feedback. We have and continue to look carefully at all feedback provided from local residents and leaseholders.

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Option one: Take no action This option would mean that general repairs would be carried out by NCH only, and properties would remain as they currently are.

NCH residents would remain in homes as they currently are with no work carried out to address the issues identified. There would be no impact to leaseholders.

Option two: Refurbishment This option could involve some refurbishment works to your home and block and could include: The block and outside areas • Wrapping the building with a new insulation system which will improve thermal performance and improve the visual appearance of the blocks • In order to meet zero carbon, installation of solar PV and Air Source Heat Pumps would provide sustainable energy and heating to homes • Replace windows and doors • Remove pre-cast concrete elements • Remove existing cavity wall insulation • New car parking spaces to address the current insufficient car parking available within the locality and prevent people parking on pavements • Improved communal green space • New secure cycle storage and bin storage • Additional planting to the boundary of the site • Mechanical ventilation to address condensation Inside homes We may consider knocking through bathrooms and toilets to create better use of space.

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Information for residents

Impact on NCH tenants Should this option be taken forward, we would work with residents and the design team to consider whether works could reasonably be carried out while you remain in your own home.

We could potentially need to re-house you in order to carry out the works.

In this instance: • Our first priority is that the refurbished homes benefit local residents. If you need to move as part of this process, our aim would be to see if we could re-house you in a refurbished home within your local area as part of the works process • If you wanted to move away from the area, we would try to facilitate this where possible • Ideally, we would aim to re-house residents only once, to somewhere that meets your needs • We would talk to you about your needs in terms of location and home and we would work with you to try and meet that need • We would also pay compensation packages that are required by law

Impact on leaseholders • If we think that refurbishment work is required, we wouldn’t normally carry out refurbishment works to leaseholder properties • If you are a leaseholder and would like to join us in the refurbishment works, we may be able to consider an ‘opt in’ approach, where leaseholders could pay us to carry out the works to your home • There may be instances where we will need to carry out some work to your property e.g. replacement of balustrades and/or windows and improvements to the communal heating systems to make sure that the block functions effectively.

If this is the case, we will work with you to try to make sure that any arrangements are suitable for you

• Detailed discussions with leaseholders will be necessary to confirm what works will be included These options have been designed to start conversations with the local community about the level of work which may be required, and the exact details of this scheme would require further work through a design and consultation process.

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Existing home layout.

New home layout.

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Information for residents

Option three: Building new homes

We have reviewed the possibility of a new build and demolition option for Blaen-y-pant. However, it’s important that any work is carried out in proportion to the need of the homes and area.

Having assessed the condition of homes in Blaen-y-pant, we don’t think that a demolition and new build option is appropriate for this area.

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What next Consultation open until Friday 2 July 2021

Supporting residents with additional needs

Our formal consultation on these proposals is now open until Friday 2 July 2021.

If you have additional needs, please let us know when registering for the session – this will help make sure that the sessions are accessible for you.

This means that during this time, we’re asking for your thoughts and views on the options. We’re seeking to understand how the community feels about these proposals, to make sure we take this into account when we make a decision.

Your views will be included in the information that is considered by the NCH Board in July when they look at which option to take forward.

We still welcome further views after this date, but we may not be able to take them into account in our recommendations.

Join our online session We’re holding an online session specifically for Blaen-y-pant residents, to talk through these options in detail and talk to you about what these options could mean, and what you think about them.

Monday 28 June 3pm

Why aren’t NCH holding events in the community?

Face-to-face events remain restricted due to COVID-19 regulations.

The safety of our residents and colleagues is our number one priority. We’re continuing to review guidelines and the number of COVID-19 cases in the local community, and we will restart community events when it’s safe to do so.

In the meantime, we understand that online engagement may be difficult for residents without internet access. We’re offering one-to-one socially distanced doorstep visits for residents with accessibility needs or who don’t have access to the internet during the consultation process.

Visits will be offered on a case-by-case basis by our Community Services team. Please get in touch with us using the details on page 12 to request a visit.

You will need to pre-register for the session, and a link to attend will be sent to your e-mail address.

Please make sure you have provided the correct e-mail address.

If you’d like some help in registering, please get in touch with us using the details on page 12.

The session will be recorded, and links will be shared by text message and e-mail after the session.

If you’re not sure if your e-mail/mobile is up to date, please contact us.

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Information for residents

Register for the event here - just scan this code with your smartphone camera.

Contact us Talk to us We completely understand that this is an uncertain time for residents and leaseholders.

We have dedicated contact information for any questions or concerns you have about this work.

Wesley Ford Community Services Officer 01633 277614 E-mail the project team directly at community@newportcityhomes.com

You can contact us at any time during and after the consultation period.

FAQ

When will residents be told what option will be happening?

We will update affected residents as soon as possible, and we expect to share information with residents and leaseholders during August and September.

We understand that this wait is an uncertain time for affected residents, and we really appreciate your patience whilst we look at the possible options and carry out surveys to help us fully understand what work may be required before making a decision.

Why are you involving residents and leaseholders in this before you know what work will be happening?

We appreciate this is a slow process and we understand that this may be worrying to residents and leaseholders who want to know what work will be taking place.

However, it’s important that we take the time to get this right, and make sure we’re making decisions with all of the available information.

It’s also important we talk to residents about what we are doing from the start so that any decisions are informed by the views of our residents.

I want to decorate during this time. Can I? It is the decision of residents and leaseholders on whether to carry out any decorating work during this time. We understand that residents may wish to wait to carry out any non-essential decorating until a decision has been made on what work, if any, will be carried out.

It’s important to note that any option that we’re looking at, such as possible refurbishment or regeneration, may take some time to deliver because we will need to go through further design, consultation and review and implementation stages.

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We welcome individual discussions if you’d like to speak to us before making a decision.

Why is NCH still listing properties on Home Options which are part of this work?

Will I receive compensation?

It’s important that where we can, we keep providing housing opportunities for people that need it. Our work to build 250 new homes per year will help to support the current housing crisis in Wales, and where we have empty properties which are suitable for - residents to live in we will continue to let these whilst any decisions are made on work which may be carried out in the future.

If we need to move you permanently away from your current home and you have lived there for longer than 12 months, your household may qualify for a home loss payment, which is a sum set out by law. Currently, the Home Loss payment is set at £6,200.

If we need to move you temporarily, then you may be entitled to a disturbance payment, to cover moving expenses.

I’m a NCH tenant. Can I say no to work being carried out?

Any work required would be carried out to make sure your home remains fit for the future. It may also be possible that work is required to meet current legislative requirements set out

by Welsh Government, and so may need to take place to keep residents safe.

The safety of our residents is our highest priority, and as a responsible landlord, we would work closely with you to explain why any work is needed and support you during this process.

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Information for residents

Will leaseholders have to pay for work to be carried out?

We’re not able to answer this question in full at the moment, as we haven’t made any decisions about what work will be carried out.

Generally, leaseholders are asked to contribute financially to any works that replace elements of the property, such as a new roof.

If we are adding something additional to the property as part of our work, then leaseholders may not be charged in this circumstance.

We will be working closely with our leaseholders over the coming

months as decisions are made to clearly set out what work may be required and any impact this may have.

Can I say no to work being carried out in my leasehold property?

If we think that refurbishment work is required, we wouldn’t normally carry out refurbishment works to leaseholder properties.

If you are a leaseholder and would like to join us in the refurbishment works, we may be able to consider an ‘opt in’ approach, where leaseholders could pay us to carry out the works to your home.

There may be instances where we will need to carry out some work to your property e.g. replacement of balustrades and/ or windows and improvements to the communal heating systems to make sure that the block functions effectively. If this is the case, we will work with you to try to make sure that any arrangements are suitable for you.

Detailed discussions with leaseholders will be necessary to confirm what works will be included.

Tell us what you think We’re asking for views from residents and leaseholders on the possible options we’ve talked about in this booklet.

If you don’t have access to the internet, you can remove and return this leaflet to us by post using the prepaid envelope provided.

An online version of this survey is also available – scan the QR code with your smartphone to access it.

What do you like and/or dislike about option one? (Take no action)

What do you think about there being no option for new homes in your area?

What do you like and/or dislike about option two? (Refurbishment)

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?

You can share your views with us online - just scan this code with your smartphone camera.

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