A HOUSING provider has bowed to public pressure against plans to replace elderly people’s bungalows with family houses.

Residents at the The Haven in Prudhoe received letters last month telling them that housing provider Karbon Homes was planning to knock down the 10 bungalows there, evict residents and build seven new two or three bedroom houses in their place.

Councillors and residents strongly objected to current elderly and disabled residents being forced from their homes and moved elsewhere, arguing that there was a lack of suitable, accessible housing in Prudhoe which would allow them to still access town centre facilities.

Following a consultation period, which included a meeting at the end of last month in the town to discuss the plans, the housing provider said it had now amended its plans. The existing homes will still be demolished, but six two-bedroom bungalows will be built instead. Director of development Ged Walsh said: “We have listened to all the feedback we received, and have amended our plans as a result.

“We are now looking to develop six two bedroom bungalows on the site which will be available for affordable rent and will offer accessible accommodation for older residents in easy reach of the town centre. We will be holding another public consultation meeting in the near future about the new plans.”