CHARLES CLOSE COMMUNITY GARDEN

This proposal is for a private fenced area, which will enclose a communal garden with patio area and BBQ, picnic tables/seating, raised beds, a greenhouse, and a storage facility. It will be wheelchair and buggie accessible, and contain a garden feature for the blind and partially sighted.

The greenhouse and flower beds will complement the efforts of the more green fingered residents, and encourage others to get involved in developing knowledge and skills in a community environment. Safety and security features are built into the design, not only to protect the investment, but also to give tenants confidence in the facility.


The proposed site for this garden is a stretch of (EPHA owned) grassed area running between the side and garden of a sheltered bungalow, and a public footpath leading in to Charles Close The site is approx 300 sq.metres in size.


The Community Garden can become a major focal point for the 52 residents of Charles Close and Simons Way, which is the only EPHA sheltered unit consisting of a mix of bungalows and flats. The garden can also serve the other EPHA units by providing a venue for joint social events, so bringing the communities closer together. The residents are keen to grow produce/plants for fund raising activities.

The Garden will encourage and enable some tenants, who currently have no motivation to step outside their home, to get involved in helping themselves, and participating in community events. It will also demonstrate to the wider community that life in a sheltered housing environment is for living. The tenants have already expressed a keen interest in this facility, and believe it will help enhance their quality of life as well as the neighbourhood. Support has also been given by the County Council, the Police, Cllr. Smith, and the Mayor of Evesham.