CHIPPENHAM, FARNHAM & HILLDENE UPDATE
www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
JUNE 2018
LBHHousing
Chippenham, Farnham and Hilldene regeneration meeting update – Monday 26 February 2018
Neil Stubbings, Havering’s regeneration consultant briefs residents
What was discussed? On Monday 26 February, Neil Stubbings visited residents of Chippenham Road, Hilldene and Farnaham Road at St George’s Hall, Harold Hill. Neil informed residents that to date around 257 households, including 75 sheltered housing tenants, in the regeneration areas have moved to new homes including 26 tenants from this estate. Leaseholders and freeholders can start the process to sell their property to the Council via our specialist officer, Ian Nolan. First demolitions will be the Waterloo Estate, Napier House and New Plymouth House and Solar, Serena and Sunrise. Demolition is due to start in late 2019. That can only happen when we have moved everyone off the estates.
Havering Council is really pleased to be working with Wates Residential as a Joint Venture partner in the £1 billion regeneration project, which will see 12 Council estates regenerated to provide around 3,000 homes in Havering over the next 12 years. Wates has been chosen after an extensive procurement process during which they proved they are well placed to deliver the new homes that we need and outlined their commitment to the long-term future of Havering. They also showed that not only do they have an awareness of the culture, history and heritage of Havering but they share the Council’s vision for the future of the borough. The project will see an overhaul of Havering’s existing Council accommodation on the 12 Sites. Delivering improved provision, the regeneration will increase Council rented accommodation by 70 per cent and build 400 low-cost home ownership properties. By doubling the amount of affordable housing on the 12 estates, this project delivers much-needed affordable homes for residents that are truly affordable on local income levels. In addition to the new house building, there will be a significant amount of new jobs created as well as excellent supply chain opportunities for local businesses to be involved with.
Chippenham, Farnham & Hilldene Update JUNE 2018
Q. Will residents be able to move back to their homes even if the previous home exceeds the residents’ housing needs? A. Neil Stubbings advised he would seek legal advice with this. Legal advice confirms residents can move back to the same property. Q. Are residents’ medical needs being considered when moving? A. Yes, providing they fit in with housing policy. Q. Why are some residents moving before others? A. Matches are based on on housing needs and requirements and which properties become available in the areas requested. Consideration is also given to individual medical needs, vulnerability etc. Then it will go on the length of tenancy. Q. Do tenants have to move out during the works? A. Yes, that was very clear feedback from you at the first meeting and the agreement that tenants should move out.
Q. Will rents be the same? A. They will be the same basis of regulated rent. If the floor area is different then rent may be different. Q. If I refuse a property because the rent is too high, will this affect my two offers? A. No. If the rent is too high it would not be considered a reasonable offer. Q. Can a residents committee be set up for residents of Chippenham, Farnham and Hilldene? A. Yes, we will look into getting this set up. Q. Will Bidder C engage with us? A. Yes, they are keen to consult with all residents and have a high involvement with you. Q. I don’t think I will get a property like the one I have. A. So far the first time match success rate is 98 per cent, so we hope to find properties that people are happy to accept.
Q. Why do I have to move?
Q. My neighbour has moved but I have lived here longer.
A. Due to the huge amount of work needing to be done to current building, everyone will need to be rehoused. It wouldn’t be safe to stay in occupation.
A. Each case is individual and circumstances such as overall need are considered first, followed by the length of tenancy.
Q. New residents that move into empty properties – do they have priority on moving?
Q. When the works begin, how long will it take?
A. No, permanent Council tenants will be the priority move before temporary accommodation residents. Any temporary accommodation tenant will move to other temporary accommodation and not permanent accommodation. Q. Do residents keep their fixed tenancy? A. Yes, tenants keep their current terms of tenancy. Q. How will the council insure that empty properties are secure? A. Community wardens will increase patrols giving an increased security to the building. If we need to, we will use additional security on flats, although we would prefer not to.
Tuesday
11
SEPTEMBER
2018
Next meeting: The next update meeting will be on Tuesday 11 September at St George’s Church, Harold Hill from 6pm.
A. We will be able to let you know that next time we come and see you. Q. I want to return back to my previous property but it is not my housing need. Can I still do this? A. Having obtained clarity with the Legal Department, as this is a refurbishment rather than a demolition, then tenants can move back to their existing property. Q. If my housing need is a one bed but I have medical needs that requires me to have a two bed, will I get a two bed? A. If the approved need is for a two bed, then yes.
Contact details:
www.havering.gov.uk/regenadvice housingregeneration@havering.gov.uk www.havering.gov.uk/HousingRegeneration 5383CFH