70s block to be demolished and replaced after approval

The last pensioner at Albany House, in Norton, near Stockton, who was thought to be in his 70s, left last year.

Stockton borough councillors heard the man was alone in the block of 1971-built bedsits, which had shared shower and bath facilities.

The council has received more than £10m to build social housing from the Housing Corporation since last year, and expects to be given more money to build homes at the Albany site in Berkshire Road. It is hoped that ten to 14 properties will be built, possibly next year.

The buildings would be made in a partnership between the council and Tees Valley Housing Group.

The authority will examine which kind of social housing is most urgent, but bungalows are usually included as part of sheltered accommodation.

Councillor Martyn Ingram, cabinet member for housing, said: "This redevelopment will help meet the housing needs of the growing list of people who urgently need homes.

"We are strongly committed to meeting this need, and I am delighted that we will be working to achieve that with the Tees Valley Housing Group, a local and well-respected social landlord with considerable experience in developing this type of housing.

"Very positive discussions with the Housing Corporation have encouraged us to work up this proposal in partnership with the Tees Valley Housing Group."

The partnership will submit a formal bid to the Housing Corporation early next year and, if successful, work could start in the summer.

Martin Hawthorne, director of development for Tees Valley Housing Group, welcomed the discussions. He said: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the council.

"Together, we hope to remove the old eyesore of a building and redevelop the site to the benefit of the whole community."

The council would transfer the 0.6-acre site to the Tees Valley Housing Group. Plans will be developed in case the Housing Corporation declines to give money to the scheme.