Right move for residents

Eighty per cent of residents in the tower blocks earmarked for demolition have indicated support for the plans, according to council officials.

Householders across the sites were consulted on proposals to demolish and replace all 48 towers in the authority area over the next two decades.

Councillors on the housing committee were told:“Initial feedback indicates that there is strong general support for the proposals amongst tenants”.

Subject to confirmation, the proposal is then to stop letting properties which become available.

The report added:“The phase one reprovisioning of 1600 flats will require to be progressed on a staggered basis and is estimated to take a minimum of six years.

“At the same time feasibility work will get underway regarding the future proposals for the cleared sites and nearby potential sites including town centres. Demolition and redevelopment of sites can take place as soon as blocks are empty.

“These proposals will create new, high-quality housing that will meet current and future needs. Adjacent sites are also being evaluated to help increase opportunities for new housing development, including a range of town centre sites.”

Councillors also agreed the proposals to increase the scale of the authority’s housebuilding programme to a target of 5000 homes by 2035.

Members were told the increased project“offers opportunities to support the development of sustainable communities and create significant employment and training opportunities for local people across the supply chain”.

A council spokesperson added: “New locations, including vacant and derelict retail sites, will be identified to speed up the construction of new council homes.

“The council will also work with businesses and investors to redevelop existing retail space, to help create multi-use spaces, such as incubator hubs for business start-ups, that are more relevant to our future economy.”