Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Solohaus?
The Solohaus is a modular home designed specifically for single people. They provide a fully furnished unit with electric hob, fridge, and a washing machine. Built to Future Homes Standards in the UK, homes are secured by design and are heated with a low-energy Air-Source Heat Pump.
The Solohaus at Cutmore Street are being donated to Gravesham and installed by Hill free-of-charge as part of Andy Hill’s charitable Foundation200 initiative.
What is Foundation200?
Foundation200 is Andy Hill’s personal charitable commitment to donating two hundred homes to help alleviate homelessness across the UK. Over 60 homes have been delivered free of charge on sites across England already. The project aims to complete modular housing schemes free of charge for partner organisations across the country, to assist in reducing homelessness. Gravesham Borough Council is one of Hill’s strategic partners for the delivery of affordable housing and we are pleased to be able to support the wider affordable housing needs of Gravesend with the Cutmore Street site.
How many people will live on the proposed scheme?
The Solohaus scheme at Cutmore Street will house eight new residents, each in private self-contained accommodation.
Where will the Solohaus units be installed?
The project is proposing to install eight Solohaus homes on the site of the Cutmore Street Garage Block owned by the Council. The existing garages will be demolished and replaced with the eight single person pods. The sketch below shows the proposed layout. This is subject to approval by the planning authority.
Who will live in the Solohaus?
Tenants at Cutmore Street will be single households identified by the Housing Options Service who may be living in temporary accommodation. Some may be moving from supported housing owned by the Council but who no longer need this level of support. Residents will be selected on the basis that they will benefit from a period of independence before moving on to settled accommodation. The Council aim to select residents who will integrate well with one another and the local community.
The homes will be owned and managed by the Council. Officers of the Council and their partner support providers will make regular visits to the homes to ensure that they are sustaining their home.
Why do we need these homes?
In recent years, we have witnessed significant rises in the volumes of households reaching out to us due to homelessness. The council is facing challenges to help with housing and securing suitable accommodation due to the increasing demand on housing, unaffordable rents available locally and shortage of accommodation. Notably, we have seen more single homeless households seeking our help, primarily due to their inability to cover the inflated housing expenses prevalent in our borough.
The Solohaus residences aim to address this issue by offering economical accommodation options. Moreover, they are designed to furnish residents with the necessary support to retain their tenancy and develop the skills essential for future tenancy management.
What happens next?
The Hill Partnership will apply for planning permission and immediate residents will be formally consulted on the detailed plans for the scheme. In addition to the scheme layout and designs of the Solohaus units, residents will also be able to review the proposed Gravesham Borough Council management strategy and ongoing support of Solohaus residents.
We are expecting a planning application to be submitted in late November.