Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, has written to Bristol City Council to raise concerns about Imperial Apartments in Hengrove, an office block conversion, following reports from constituents about the unsuitability of the housing development.
Imperial Apartments is currently housing residents who were previously Homechoice Bristol applicants who sought a tenancy through that route, with nearly 70% of residents having been referred to Imperial by the Council. A significant number of constituents who are resident at the property have been in contact with Karin Smyth to raise their concerns about a range of issues at the development which have been both reported in the media and acknowledged by the landlords.
A range of issues have been revealed, including concerns about security, chronic problems with cannabis use and noise, lack of maintenance, ambulance staff being unable to gain entry to flats and inadequately sized flats.
Karin Smyth is now requesting the council cease all future Homechoice allocations to Imperial Apartments for applicants with children, and that they consider reinstating to the Homechoice system, with the same banding as previously, any current resident with children who make such a request.
Karin Smyth, MP for Bristol South, said:
“I was very concerned to hear reports from a number of constituents about a range of issues at Imperial Apartments in Hengrove. Poor living conditions and anti-social behaviour are making a significant number of residents feel unsafe living there.
“Whilst Imperial Apartments may be a suitable temporary place to live for some, it’s become clear that it is certainly not a long term housing solution for families with children. For those families who feel Imperial Apartments is unsuitable for them, an alternative should be provided by Homechoice Bristol.
”I have been in contact with Bristol City Council to raise these concerns and to request they consider ceasing all future Homechoice allocations to Imperial apartments for applicants with children. I hope to work with the Council further to resolve the issues raised by constituents.”