Proposals for 'fill-in' development of the council's sites across the borough have sometimes been controversial, especially when current residents are opposed to densification, loss of light or the loss of green space.
The council respond that such proposals provide much needed council housing under the New Council Homes Programme (NCHP) and the balance of detriment versus gain is in favour of development. As we have learnt from the reallocation of new homes in Watling Gardens from London Affordable Rent to Shared Ownership things are not always straightforward in terms of genuine affordability.
A new map listing finished, current and potential developments has been issued to ward councilors today. Those on the map below in red have been identified as 'potential development opportunities.' Ward councillors will be contacted by officers to discuss proposals in their wards.
Nearly a half of the 886 red projects in 'feasibility' are accounted for by development on the St Raphael's Estate.
It is to be hoped that ward councillors, many of them new, will actively engage with estate residents early in the process so that they are not presented with a fait accompli.
You should be able to enlarge this map by clicking bottom right.
