Millions spent on homes that could be knocked down
Almost 800 flats in an estate in London could be demolished despite £4.4 million of decent homes funding having been spend on them since 2005.
The 737 households on the Bemerton estate in Islington are being consulted on regeneration proposals, which could result in wholesale redevelopment of their area.
Dr Brian Potter, chairman of Islington Leaseholders’ Association, said: ‘The council said 58 per cent of residents want [the estate] knocked down, but at a meeting last week only two people said they thought it was a good option.
‘This is not representative of what the residents want.’
James Murray, executive member for housing at Islington Council, said: ‘We’re asking Bemerton residents to weigh up the pros and cons of what redevelopment could offer - making sure the people who live there are involved in deciding the next steps.
‘Once we know what people think of these initial ideas, we’ll be able to explore some of the options in more detail and consult further with residents.’
The council said every household on the estate received a questionnaire and that different options were presented to residents.
Council members will decide in June whether to explore redevelopment further and appoint a development partner, with a final decision being made in October 2012.
