A community living in a Nottingham neighbourhood that 'desperately needs more housing' has welcomed plans for 24 houses to be built in the area. The development, if approved, will replace the former Oakdene Day Centre on Woodborough Road in St Ann's.
Up to a total of 24 dwellings including two storey houses and three storey block could be installed. The plans outlined also include one dedicated parking space for all the houses. The flats do not have any parking, but the site is close to the centre of Nottingham, Victoria Bus Station and access to public transport.
The site has been cleared and left with a crushed brick surface. The original residential Care Homes was previously demolished and the site has been vacant ever since.
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Carmen Reid, who has lived in St Ann's all her life, said: "As long as they are good people, of course they are welcome here. I would be happy for more people to come to the area if they need housing."
The long-term resident, who is in her 60s, said: "I have lived on Sherwin Walk since these houses were built in 1979, but always lived in St Ann's. It is a great location and it is better now, it is not as bad as it used to be."
The retired neighbour went on and said: "We need more housing. No one wants to leave this area and more people need houses."
Dwain Gallachin, a former chef from Bestwood who was visiting his family in St Ann's, said: "We need more affordable housing near the city centre. But I am 50/50 because it is replacing a care home. What are the elderly people going to do? The vulnerable need a new place too."
The 34-year-old said: "It is great location and I think that there are not enough family houses. Luckily I have got a flat so it does not affect me."
Thomas Foster, a student at Nottingham Trent University who lives in St Ann's, said he is dreading the moment when he will have to look for a house. The 20-year-old added: "It is so ridiculously expensive. I live with five other mates and we are looking to move to West Bridgford because our rent is going up so each one of us will have to pay £15 extra per week."
He said: "St Ann's and generally Nottingham desperately needs more affordable housing. It is affecting everyone including students."
