No ‘affordable’ flats as centre set to be converted to homes

PLANS to convert and extend a former Ilkeston family centre into a four-storey block of flats have been approved - but none will be “affordable”.

- By EDDIE BISKNELL

At an Erewash Borough Council meeting, councillors begrudgingly approved plans to renovate, convert and extend the former Albany House family centre in Albany Street into 28 flats.

The building, which has already been extended and converted into a four-storey modern property, was previously a family centre, but was closed in 2019 by Derbyshire County Council, having been open since 1968.

In early 2024 councillors approved the plans, subject to developer G Redfern Properties signing a Section 106 document pledging £39,000 for sustainable transport, money for socalled “affordable” housing and £8,400 for open space improvements - but this agreement was never signed.