Report to the Executive for Decision 20 April 2015

Portfolio: Health and Housing Subject: Proposed Naming of 16 Flats at Palmerston Avenue Report of: Director of Community Strategy/Policy: Housing Strategy Corporate A Balanced Housing Market Objective:

Purpose: To seek approval to name the housing scheme at Palmerston Avenue “Stevenson Court” in memory of the former of Portsmouth; The Rt. Reverend Kenneth Stevenson.

Executive summary: The Council is constructing block 16 x 1 bedroom flats on land at Palmerston Avenue in Fareham Town Centre. The construction is due to complete in early 2016.

It is proposed that the building be named in memory of the Late Bishop Kenneth Stevenson and be named “Stevenson Court” in recognition of his contribution to helping and supporting the local community.

A formal naming ceremony will take place in the summer months, part way through construction. The Bishop’s widow and family will be invited to attend and lay the naming stone in memory of the Bishop.

Recommendation/Recommended Option: That the Executive agrees:

(a) to approve the proposed name of “Stevenson Court” for the block of 16 flats; and (b) to authorise that preparations be made for a naming ceremony to take place in the summer months appropriate to the construction programme.

Reason: To name the affordable housing scheme at Palmerston Avenue.

Cost of proposals: No additional significant costs over and above the existing approved costs for constructing the scheme.

Background papers:

Executive Briefing Paper

Date: 20 April 2015

Subject: Proposed Naming of 16 Flats at Palmerston Avenue

Briefing by: Director of Community

Portfolio: Health and Housing

INTRODUCTION

1. The Council is building a block of 16 x 1 bedroom flats at Palmerston Avenue in Fareham Town Centre. The appointed contractors are part way through the build process and forecast completion for early 2016.

2. Once completed the scheme will provide modern, high quality and affordable rented accommodation for local residents on the Council’s Housing Waiting List.

3. All units will benefit from a private balcony or terrace, bike storage, and convenient access to local shops and services. The units will be Lifetime Homes compliant and meet the Code of Sustainable Homes, Level 4. Renewable energy sources will be used to help power communal areas and a lift. One unit will be fully adapted to wheelchair user standards. All the units on the ground floor will benefit from level access showers to improve their suitability for people with limited mobility.

4. It is proposed that the scheme be named in memory of the late Kenneth Stevenson.

PRÉCIS - KENNETH WILLIAM STEVENSON (1949 – 2011)

5. Born near on 9th November 1949, Kenneth Stevenson was ordained in 1973 and became the eighth Bishop of Portsmouth in 1995.

6. As Bishop he was a highly public figure and spent much of his time visiting parishes, encouraging them to engage with the communities in which they live. The Bishop’s Palace is situated in Fareham and was Bishop Stevenson’s home for fourteen years. During his tenure he further strengthened the ties between the Diocese and the Council through his involvement with local civic life - often holding engagements with the Mayor and Executive Leader of the Borough Council.

7. As one of the 26 most senior in the , he sat in the House of Lords and was for a time the convenor of the Lords Spiritual. In September 2005 he was struck down by acute leukaemia. This required six months of intensive treatment but he was able to return to work in 2006. Regrettably the illness returned. He fought on for three years before retiring as Bishop in 2009 due to continuing ill health. 8. In retirement he continued to write and support fund raising activities for leukemia and lymphoma research. He passed away on 12th January 2011. He is survived by his wife Sarah and their children James, Kitty, Elisabeth and Alexandra.

SUMMARY

9. In recognition of his life and dedication to the local community it is proposed that the Council name the new housing development at Palmerston Avenue “Stevenson Court”. This is seen as a fitting way to honour the man and pay tribute to the contribution he made to the Borough, the Diocese, and the Country.

Reference Papers:

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