The Derelict Saltash Houses That are About to Get a Second Life

Work has begun to transform eight long-empty homes in Saltash into supported housing, as local residents welcome plans to bring the neglected properties back into use.

The houses on River View had fallen into disrepair and become an eyesore for the surrounding community. Harbour Housing has now acquired all eight properties, with plans to convert them into high-quality supported accommodation for people leaving hospital, those facing homelessness, and individuals with adult social care needs.

📷AI mock-up of colour schemes (and parking) subject to planning. - Photo Credit: Paul Williams

Clearing the Way

Initial works are already under way, with teams clearing overgrown gardens and removing waste to improve the appearance of the site. The work comes ahead of surveys, including bat assessments, which must be completed before a planning application can be submitted for rear extensions to the properties.

📷Left to Right: Malcolm Putko, Group Operations Director, Harbour Housing; Sharon Stone, Neighbour at River View looking at the inside of a flat being stripped out. - Photo Credit: Paul Williams

Neighbours Involved Early

Harbour Housing has made a point of bringing local residents into the conversation from the start. Neighbours have been invited to view design mock-ups for the properties and proposed garden layouts, as well as to discuss practical matters such as parking arrangements.

The early engagement appears to have landed well. Sharon Stone, who lives opposite the homes, said:

“Everybody deserves a second chance; everybody needs help at some stage in their lives and why shouldn’t they receive it on this estate? I’ve been reassured that the flats will be absolutely gorgeous and there will be help on site. I have no qualms about this project and think it’s fantastic. I’ve seen photos of the work they’ve done in places like Redruth and Liskeard and a few of us are planning to go and have a look around for ourselves.”

📷Outside the front of one of the empty property, Left to Right: Sharon Stone, Neighbour River View; Malcolm Putko Group Operations Director Harbour Housing - Photo Credit: Paul Williams

What Harbour Housing Says

A spokesperson for Harbour Housing said: “This is about bringing empty homes back into use and creating safe, well-managed accommodation for people who need it most, while improving the local environment for existing residents. We’re committed to working with the community as the project develops.”

A full planning application for the rear extensions is expected to follow once the survey work has been completed.

📷Front elevation when taking the property over - Photo Credit: Paul Williams - Photo Credit: Paul Williams