Proposal for newbuild at 1 Leopold Street (Added 29/07/14 )

In 2001 Latch refurbished the Victorian villa at 1 Leopold Street to create 6 flats, providing good quality homes for people who are homeless or in housing need.

Sadly, the two mature trees at the front of the grounds now need to be removed as their roots are destabilising the retaining wall between the footpath and the grounds, and will over time make it unsafe. This creates an opportunity to build new housing on the unused land between the garden and the road.

Latch has more demand for housing than it can meet, especially for one-bed properties. Last year, there were 53 applicants for 4 vacant properties, and the waiting list for one bed applicants had to be closed for part of the year.

Latch intends to build four good quality one bed flats on the land. The flats will be designed to “Passive House” standards, making them warm and affordable to heat and reducing carbon emissions. The design will enhance the setting of the existing house, recreating the original entrance and framing the view of the house from Chapeltown Road. The flats will be let as supported housing.

The new build will involve unemployed volunteers, giving them opportunities to gain skills and work experience.

Latch will be submitting a planning application in October 2014. If you have any comments, please contact Latch before then so that they can be considered during the design stage.