Charity Launches Proposal For 300 Extra Homes For Veterans

A proposal to provide 300 new homes for vulnerable and disabled veterans has begun a consultation period today.

The Service housing charity “Stoll” plans to finance the developments by selling off part of their central London estate to their neighbour Chelsea Football club.

 Stoll has been helping former servicemen to find homes since the Fulham site was first donated to injured servicemen returning from the first world war.

The site was originally donated by the philanthropist Sir Oswald Stoll in 1916, and it’s provided support to veterans ever since

 The current accommodation consists of a 100-year-old Edwardian block, and it currently has the capacity to house 157 people.

However, under the new proposals, they could extend that and build an extra 300 homes around the country.

 Under the new plan, the existing block would be sold to Stoll’s wealthy neighbour, Chelsea Football Club, releasing money to pay for the new homes

 We spoke to Ed Tytherleigh, Stoll’s chief executive, about the proposal:

 “Stoll offers best in class social housing. It is a special place to live that currently supports 300 vets a year.

“Through this proposal we would be able to double that, and house twice the amount.”

 Funds raised from the sale would also mean upgraded accommodation at the London headquarters in Fulham.

A former sergeant with the Household Cavalry Bob Barrett has lived in a Stoll home for 15 years.

Not only has the charity provided him with a roof over his head, but he’s also received support throughout his treatment for Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma:

 “I moved into a brand new flat, I was very lucky.

“I was self-sufficient, but after 6 months of not earning, I gave myself up.

"My rent got paid- I couldn’t believe it, they were fabulous, I fell in love with the place”

If the new proposals meet with the approval of residents and the Charity’s board, the next phase will be to decide where to build the additional housing.