A proposal to build a new affordable housing development and community centre in Blackwell is set to be discussed by Bolsover District Council.

The site in question – on Woburn Close – is already home to bungalows, an assisted living building and Blackwell Community Centre.

However, an application put forward by Bolsover District Council and Blackwell Parish Council seeks permission to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with new ones.

The proposal is to build 22 new homes – four houses and 18 bungalows -, an independent living building comprising 20 flats and a new community centre.

According to a design and access statement attached to the application, the existing development, built in the 1970s, is “below current standards in terms of construction, sustainability, amenity and being fit for purpose”.

A statement in the document from Bolsover District Council explains further: “This scheme is part of the council’s Bolsover Homes project which is aimed at building new council houses for affordable rents across the district. The scheme more efficiently uses the council’s land by replacing end of life, unfit for purpose dwellings.

“The proposed new homes exceed today’s standard whilst benefitting the district’s economy through training, skills development and local supply chain.

“As the intention is for the residential element of this site to be delivered as 100 per cent affordable housing, the local housing need to this area has been used when identifying the best unit types and mix of sizes.”

According to the design and access statement, the new community centre will be funded, owned and managed by Blackwell Parish Council but the land will be leased from the district council.

A report due before the planning committee recommends the application for approval.

Bolsover District Council’s planning committee will meet at 10am on Wednesday (January 25). You can find more information here.

Picture credit – Google Maps