Council criticised after new homes unused

A developer of supported living homes has criticised a county council after the authority decided it did not need the firm's newly built homes.

HBV Group finished building 22 homes in 2022 at Handford Place in Ipswich, Suffolk, but they have stood empty ever since.

HBV said the development "was conceived through close and lengthy collaboration with Suffolk County Council to provide affordable, safe homes that meet specific local needs".

Suffolk County Council, which has responsibility for adult social care, said: "Handford Place is a private development; therefore, Suffolk County Council has no responsibility for its development, construction, or ultimate use."

HBV's website said the homes would provide services to people with physical and learning disabilities.

The company said it acquired £4.5m in investments to build the development.

A statement from HBV said: "Unfortunately, mid-construction, the council decided to undertake a further review of the need for this property and after a staggering three years concluded that there is no demand for this type of accommodation in Ipswich.

"They concluded that there may only be three people who would benefit from accommodation for individuals with disabilities including autism, cerebral palsy and other learning disabilities, who want to live independent lives."

The council's adult social care service was inspected in 2023 by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).

The watchdog rated it as 'good', however found that "challenges were reported with ensuring suitable accommodation was available for people".

It added: "Gaps in provision were identified, for example in dementia care, nursing care and services for people with complex needs."

A council spokesperson said: "Whilst the council looks to support private investment in the care sector, we also have a duty to ensure such opportunities align fully with the needs of the local community, as well as being affordable and financially sustainable.

"The council has provided information on local needs to the developer but has been unable to accept any proposals so far.

"We have encouraged the developers to explore opportunities outside of Adult Social Care, which may align better with their financial expectations for the development."

HBV said that it will now look to advertise the homes on the private market.

"Regretfully, the decision taken by Suffolk County Council means this property will not be brought into use as social housing as we and local families had hoped," HBV said.

"We have been left with no other choice but to explore other opportunities to make it fully available as supported housing, its intended use, including launching the property into the private sector and self-funding market in early summer."

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