Flats for the blind could be sold to developer

People living in a block of flats for the blind or visually impaired say they are concerned for their future after its owners put the building up for sale.

Jessica Parry moved into Pocklington Lodge in Shepherd's Bush, west London, three years ago after struggling to find accommodation that would allow her guide dog.

"When I moved in here it truly was my last resort. Since living here I feel like I have the same independent life that my friends have and I just don't want to lose that."

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT), which owns the site, said "we are committed to ensuring that existing tenancies are protected through legal agreements with any future owner".

Pocklington Lodge features a range of facilities specifically designed to cater for its blind and visually impaired residents including an adapted laundry room, special signage and a braille door entry system.

Jessica has been partially sighted since birth and relies on her guide dog Kenny to help her carry out everyday chores.

"The guide dog run is probably the most important thing for me," says Jessica.

"It's a safe and confined area where I feel comfortable taking my dog out, especially at night."

Jessica is worried that if the special designation stating the site can only be occupied by blind and visually impaired people is removed, it would make it more attractive to property developers.

"If they (TPT) sell it and remove the functional status, this building isn't going to be for visually impaired people, so we will lose the accessibility of the housing and there's a really good chance we would be priced out."

TPT has told the BBC that "in this current process we have not made any application for a change in special designation".

Andrew Hodgson, 70, is totally blind and loves his home in Pocklington Lodge where he has lived since 1987.

"It's an excellent situation to live in," he told the BBC. "We support each other and the people are friendly."

He said it would be a massive upheaval if the residents were forced out by any new buyer.

"The older you get the more difficult it is because you don't have the same confidence," adding that "it would be quite a challenge".

TPT said: "We fully understand the proposed sale of Pocklington Lodge has caused concern and distress for some tenants. Their wellbeing and peace of mind are extremely important to us."

The trust added: "The needs of blind and partially sighted people have changed, and so has our role. Today, our focus is on supporting people to thrive in education and employment, as well as improving inclusion within society."

According to the Thomas Pocklington Trust, the jeweller-turned-property developer temporarily lost his eyesight after an accident.

Doctors managed to save his sight, after which he made the decision to fund an organisation dedicated to helping blind and partially sighted people.

On his death in 1935, Pocklington ordered that his assets should be left to accumulate for 21 years, after which the charity should be established.

During this time property prices soared.

By the time the charity, originally called The Gift of Thomas Pocklington, was established in 1958, the fund had grown to about £850,000 - the equivalent of about £27m today, according to the Measuring Worth website.

Today, the fund is worth about £160m.

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