The Almshouse Association CEO Nick Phillips and Assistant Policy & Engagement Officer Jack Baldan were pleased to be invited to visit Amersham United Charites on June 22 2021 by Howard Hughes, Len Tridgell and Simon Partridge, the trustees of the charity.

The visit involved discussions on the various challenges the charity has experienced when maintaining and remodelling a listed building.

The renovations the charity is seeking planning permission for to improve the layout and quality of accommodation on offer involve almost all internal works. Plans include making the dwellings more energy efficient and tackling issues around condensation, and the aim of the improvements is ultimately to improve the quality of life for the beneficiaries of the charity, whilst also futureproofing a grade 2 listed building.

The visit also allowed trustees to discuss hurdles the charity has faced during the process, particularly concerning the position of the conservation officer (HBO). This is an issue that the Association is familiar with and we will endeavour to do our part in seeing this project granted permission so that residents can enjoy warmer, healthier homes.

We would like to thank Amersham Charities for their time. For their generosity in sharing thoughts about lessons learned, condensation issues, conservation approaches and how the Board has remained motivated and focused despite delays.

The visit highlighted the commitment of the trustees to improving living standards for the charity’s beneficiaries, as well as their determination that there be a source of genuinely affordable housing in the community in perpetuity. 

Posted 24 June 21

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