PEAKS & PLAINS ANNOUNCE AFFORDABLE HOUSING SCHEME FOR HOLMFIELD SITE

STATEMENT FROM PEAKS & PLAINS:

The board of Peaks & Plains Housing Trust have taken the difficult decision to close Holmfield – a block of 32 apartments, built in 1974 for 55s and over in Alderley Edge. This decision was taken after two face to face consultation meetings with residents and the final decision was made at a board meeting on 26th April 2022.

The following day, the Trust’s CEO, Mark Howden, and Head of Customer Experience, David Squires met with the 21 existing residents to explain the decision and to outline the package of support and care that will be made available to them. They were joined by Cllr Mike Dudley-Jones, Chair of Alderley Edge Parish Council and have been in close contact with Councillor Craig Browne, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council and borough councillor for Alderley Edge ward, throughout the consultation process.

David Squires, Head of Customer Experience at Peaks & Plains Housing Trust commented:

"We are already working closely with residents to understand their housing needs and to help them find suitable new homes. It’s a priority for us. We’re confident, that with close support from our partners at Cheshire East, we can work with residents and their families to resettle the residents at Holmfield into alternative homes that are appropriate for their needs.”

A spokesperson from Peaks & Plains added: “The decision to close the scheme was based on the cost of necessary future compliance and repair work on these homes. This work would have made the scheme financially unviable. In addition, demand for these small and outdated flats at Holmfield is low, while the demand for modern efficient affordable homes in the areas is high.

Peaks & Plains Housing Trust plans to continue to work with interested local partners to redevelop this site in Alderley Edge to build these much-needed affordable homes. Peaks & Plains has no plans to close any of its other sheltered schemes.”