New flats could pay for refit of old block

GREEN space and woodland could be flattened to make way for 100 private flats so a housing association can make money to carry out urgent repairs to another block.

The eight-storey Canon Green Court in Trinity, Salford, dates from the late 1950s and is in urgent need of refurbishment.

With its distinctive blue balconies, it has been used as a backdrop in ITV British crime series Prey, as well as Channel 4’s dark police comedy No Offence. But Salix Homes, which manages the block, says it needs to build a new, seven-storey block next Cannon Green Court to raise funds for a revamp – and to tackle a longstanding damp problem.

It will mean ripping up part of the grounds of the existing flats, including green space and a coppice.

Residents have complained about damp for a number of years.

“Our block has not been refurbished since 1999,” one resident, who asked not to be named, said.

“We have a serious problem with damp and condensation. One resident sleeps in his living room because the condensation in his bedroom is so bad. Another had to throw out a wardrobe because it had ruined it. And a young girl who decorated when she moved in has had to decorate again because of black mould covering the walls.”

Salix Homes owns more than 8,300 former council homes across Salford.

Executive director of operations Sue Sutton said: “We have been working very closely with residents to ensure they’re involved in this much-needed improvement work every step of the way. We’ve listened to what our residents want and we will continue to work closely together to develop proposals that benefit everyone and creates modern, energy efficient homes.”

Salix promised to carry out the essential work at Canon Green Court when tenants voted to transfer their homes from Salford council in 2015.

Ms Sutton added: “We made a promise to our tenants and we are 100 per cent committed to delivering that promise.”

The proposals are being finalised and will be submitted to Salford council for planning permission after they have been given the green light by residents and the Salix board. It is hoped that work will begin this year and be finished by 2020.