Some of the flats are located on an upper level and access is gained by stairs. All properties have their own front door and are linked to Hanover Telecare Alarm Service, who provide emergency assistance on a 24 hour 7 days a week basis. If staff are on site they will be contacted to attend an emergency to give Tenants extra support until emergency services, family or friends arrive to support the tenant.
The Society considers its tenanted properties to be unique retirement housing accommodation. A prospective tenant is only offered a tenancy on the understanding that they accept the accommodation is suitable for their needs.
Should a tenant find the accommodation is no longer suitable to their needs then the Society is under no obligation to either alter the internal fittings of the property or arrange the transfer of the tenant to another property within the development. However should there be an available property the Board will consider favourably a request for a ground floor flat from a tenant occupying an upstairs flat where there is a health issue which could be eased by such a move as long as such a request is supported by medical evidence.
The Society’s policy is to maintain the cottages to a suitable standard for occupation by older people. In achieving this objective the Board of Directors work within the resources of the Society to ensure that charges to tenants do not increase excessively due to the upgrading work. Consequently the decision has been taken that the upgrading process will be primarily focused on vacant properties.
When a tenancy is relinquished the accommodation will be assessed for upgrading and a decision will be taken on a case by case basis. Accordingly upgrading will take place gradually over a number of years allowing for phased expenditure. The allocation of upgraded properties will be determined by the manager who will take into consideration the requirements of new tenants and the needs of existing tenants.
Where an existing tenant wishes to carry out an upgrade at their own cost, this can only be initiated after a written request has been placed before the directors and written approval has been received from a member of the Board.
Please note that The cottages are not a care facility and due to space limitations, our houses are unable to be adapted to accommodate large items of care equipment nor to sleep additional overnight carers.
There is usually a large waiting list for our cottages and turnover of tenants is low and so applicants should be aware that the waiting period for accommodation may be several years.
We strive to be transparent and fair when allocating cottages and all completed applications will be matched against our criteria.
All tenants must first of all be:
Then in line with our charity’s aims, we give priority to any applicant who may be facing
It is therefore essential that you give us full and accurate details of why you are applying for a cottage so that needs can be assessed properly. If you decide to make an application, the Manager will then contact you to arrange a home visit to
Once a tenancy is offered, you will be required to provide contact details of family/friends in order that they can be contacted in an emergency to give support. This information is shared with Hanover Alarm Service.
If residents wish to have a friend or family member stay over there is a guest room with twin beds, TV, fridge, Kettle and microwave and en-suite shower room available at a reasonable cost.
Please contact the manager for further details.