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Watford housing association under fire from LibDem councilors over mis-timed announcement that tenants might lose their homes (17 December 2014)

Date: 17/12/2014
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Watford housing association under fire from LibDem councilors over mis-timed announcement that tenants might lose their homes

Liberal Democrat councilors in Watford have criticised a housing association for telling tenants they might lose their homes just hours before a public meeting to discuss the redevelopment of the Meriden estate.

The Watford Observer reports that plans by Watford Community Housing Association might involve knocking down existing housing to build 90 new homes on the Meriden estate in north Watford.

However, LibDem councillor Kareen Hastrick is backing local social housing tenants who are questioning the plans. Cllr Hastrick called the announcement to tenants just hours before the public meeting “disgusting”.

Cllr Hastrick said:

“I was disgusted that the trust informed residents living in The Turnstone and York Way bungalows they would have to move – just hours before a meeting on the plans.

“Tenants were told they would only have the option of bidding on one-bedroom properties – essentially flats: nothing like their current residences which they had bid on, as they didn’t want to live in flats.

“Watford Community Housing Trust declared that the current bungalows are too small – however, the tenants had accepted the size of the bungalows on moving into them.

“Very badly handled all round.”

Cllr Hastrick is also calling for Watford Community Housing Association not to build on a central green space on the estate.

The housing association claims that there are currently “no firm plans” for regenerating the estate – and says that local residents are being consulted over the redevelopment of the Meriden estate. However, local tenants have raised concern over the redevelopment limiting shops on the estate, as well as adding to traffic congestion and getting rid of the estate’s green space.

Cllr Hastrick added:

“Residents are aware of the need for housing – however they are keen for the trust to look at alternative sites to their central green space.

“Meriden residents are concerned that the heart of Meriden estate – the shops –
will not stay in a similar format to that now standing.

“Many are reliant on the shops being local – especially with the bus services that serve Meriden – and in walking distance.

“The trust’s current plans involve splitting the shops around the junction of The Gossamers, The Turnstones, Meriden Way, which is extremely busy – especially with motorists using this route as a rat-run to avoid The Dome.
“This will cause problems for pedestrians crossing to access the various shops.”

A planning application is not to be submitted until May 2015, and Euan Barr – head of new business at the trust – said:

“We know the shops are very important to the local community and we are committed to replacing them, building something better for local people. They would be in the heart of the estate, as they are now.

“All of the initial options include central green space and we would intend to provide this in the context of much improved traffic calming.

“As details are worked up, the planning department will require from us a full transport and parking assessment to ensure that we meet future needs.”

Duncan Lewis Housing Lawyers

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For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing lawyers on 020 7923 4020.

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