The demolition of council estates is driven more by profit than the need to provide housing affordability, security, and safety for local residents, according to the University of Manchester.
In an article published by the University’s policy engagement institute, Policy@Manchester, Dr Nick Thoburn argues that demolition uproots residents from support networks and jobs, fragments communities, and reduces the supply of affordable, safe, and secure housing.
Further, he warns of the environmental impact of demolition, “which is hidden behind claims that net-zero-carbon targets will be achieved through ‘green’ replacement housing.”
Dr Thoburn says that, despite knowing these factors, central and local governments, housing associations, and developers still proceed “apace” with estate demolition and rebuild.
He writes: “The common justification is that residents share the dominant mood and opinion about council estates.
“However, our research project with residents at East London’s Robin Hood Gardens found this not to be the case.”
The research established that these residents were “almost entirely absent” from the prominent public debate about the estate’s merits, failings, and impending demolition.
Further, the research found that residents “despaired” of the lack of investment in and maintenance of the estate, with the combined neglect and disrepair often resulting in ‘managed decline’ – where councils leverage long-term disinvestment for demolition.
Dr Thoburn (pictured, right) writes: “At Robin Hood Gardens, residents were aware and critical of this path to demolition, which one resident described to us as the ‘social cleansing’ of their neighbourhood.
“Their views of the estate’s future were complex, sometimes coloured by the seeming inevitability of demolition that is produced by managed decline.
“But in the main, residents wanted refurbishment not demolition, in an estate whose architecture and homes were tremendously popular.”
Solutions
Based on the findings, the research suggest two policy solutions – primarily that the repair, refurbishment, and retrofit of existing social housing for existing residents “should be the gold standard”.
As such, the research states, demolition should be “the very last resort”.
Dr Thoburn writes: “Residents should be consulted meaningfully and fairly.
“Since 2018, London local authorities are required to obtain a majority in a formal ballot of residents for any redevelopment proposal involving whole or partial estate demolition, an opportunity refused to residents of Robin Hood Gardens.
“This is progress, and it should be extended to all parts of the country – but the ballot process is stacked in favour of demolition and must be overhauled.”
Image credit: CL-Medien/Shutterstock
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