Kingston Council’s new affordable homes programme is likely to be delayed after a case to evict property guardians living in one of the key redevelopment sites at Roupell House was adjourned for a year.

In recent months some residents have been fighting attempts to evict them from the housing block, arguing that coronavirus and financial pressures mean it is unreasonable for them to move.

Colin Hinkson, a teacher, has lived at Roupell House for four years and is fighting his eviction.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that he was “very relieved” by this week’s decision.

“Everybody’s situation is very pressing at the moment in regards to the Covid-19 situation, and there was a lot of angst and worry about being evicted during this time, which is obviously a very unusual time,” he said.

“I think we’re basically seen as being in the way and we’re very insignificant in regards to the plans that they have.”

Despite the stress of the last few months, he said he wanted to thank everybody in the local community for their support.

Kingston council wants to redevelop part of the site for new affordable homes.

Last year the council approved 101 new homes to be built on small sites in the borough, including 23 at Roupell House.

At the last full council meeting on December 15, portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Emily Davey said residents asked to move out of Roupell House have been assured they will have other residences to move into.

However Mr Hinkson says he has not been offered anything at the moment.

The council  argues that its arrangement with the site’s security provider, Global Guardians, allows the current residents to be rehoused easily to other sites the firm operates.

These residents pay low rent and are regarded as live-in custodians by the company.

However, this week, the case to evict them was adjourned at Kingston County Court for a trial to take place in a year’s time.

Residents, campaigners and some local politicians welcomed the decision.

Green Party councillor Sharron Sumner tweeted: “Roupell House residents have been saved by the Judge and given a year to leave the building, which seems sensible in the circumstances. In what can only be described as a rejection of @RBKingston attempts to immediately evict residents despite lockdown.”

Roupell House is a council-owned building which was previously used as a retirement home.

Kingston Council says the age and design of the building meant that it was no longer possible to provide appropriate levels of care and support there, leading the retirement home to close some years ago.

They now want to redevelop it to provide 23 new council homes for low-cost rent.

A spokesperson for the council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Rather than leave the property empty while plans for the scheme were prepared, the building was leased to Global Guardians. This provides security for the property whilst also offering low cost accommodation, often at a discount of 50 per cent to rents in the local area.

“The guardians are aware when they move in that the properties they occupy may be needed at short notice and that many are due to be redeveloped in the short to medium term.

“In September 2020, Global Guardians served notice on the guardians living at Roupell House. When the lease ends on one building, guardians often move to other properties managed by the firm and 19 of the guardians at Roupell House were rehoused by Global Guardians.

“All of the remaining guardians have been offered alternative accommodation by Global Guardians. They are also aware that they can speak to the council’s housing advice team should they require support and advice in relation to their housing situation or wish to apply for housing through the housing register.

“Had possession been granted in December, the guardians would not have been required to leave Roupell House during the Christmas period. Likewise, if possession had been granted on January 12 the council and Global Guardians had already confirmed that we would give the remaining occupiers at least six weeks to find alternative accommodation.

“Global Guardians will continue to manage and maintain Roupell House until all guardians have been rehoused and they will continue to work with the remaining guardians to identify other accommodation for them within their portfolio.

“We understand that a revised date for the hearing has not yet been set so we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

When asked further on what impact this would have on the affordable homes programme a spokesperson said: “The delivery of much needed affordable homes for local residents will be delayed until this matter is resolved.”