Home extensions to ease overcrowding in the South Region

L&Q is carrying out a number of loft conversions to homes in our South Region as part of an effort to tackle serious overcrowding.

Last year L&Q secured £1.61 million from the Mayor's office to provide 20 extensions to existing homes by March 2011. Two or three bedroom homes will be extended to three or four bedroom homes, helping to provide large family accommodation for overcrowded families.

One of the first batch of extensions – in Crayford, Bexley – was completed recently and the 5 person family who live there now have a much more suitable 3 bedroom home.

Resident Mark Boyce said: "We needed an extra bedroom for our family and so I phoned L&Q and they came round to check what was needed and put forward a plan for a loft conversion to be done.

"The work was provisionally approved in just three weeks and the builders came to speak to us, listen to what we needed, and it was agreed that the work would take about 12 weeks from start to finish.

"The builders came on time every day and always cleared up their tools and mess at the end of the day. Inspectors called in every couple of weeks to make sure everything was going to plan, check the standard of the workmanship and see that there were no problems.

"Our new room is great and it means we have more space in the house. I'd like to thank everyone at L&Q who was involved with this, and everyone at the building company, Power Buildings."

L&Q would like to hear from other seriously overcrowded families living in our South or South East Neighbourhood areas who think they may be eligible for a loft conversion. In terms of eligibility, you will need to meet our definition of overcrowding and you must not have any outstanding rent arrears or anti-social behaviour cases against you. Your property must also be suitable to convert or extend in a timely and cost-efficient way, producing a larger property that meets strict design and quality standards. In most instances this will be through a loft conversion and your home will therefore need a reasonable sized loft space with enough room for an extra staircase.

Special Projects Co-ordinator Pippa Read said: "This is just the type of project that L&Q should be doing. It focuses on renewing and improving our existing stock, it provides large family accommodation and it gives residents the choice of staying in their existing home when their circumstances change.

"We already have a number of homes in the pipeline but there is still funding for a few more if suitable L&Q families wish to come forward. We will assess the suitability on a first come first served basis so residents should contact us as soon as possible."

To register your interest please contact your Neighbourhood Services Officer through L&Q Direct on 0800 015 6536 or email L&Qdirect@lqgroup.org.uk