Council sticking with plans to demolish three Blackshots tower blocks
THURROCK Council is set to move ahead with plans to demolish three tower blocks in the borough rather than try and renovate them.
Though the council's financial situation has changed massively and they are now being run by Essex County Council after government intervention, it is sticking to a pledge made earlier this year to demolish the three flat blocks at Blackshots.
In February housing portfolio holder Cllr Luke Spillman said he had reached the decision to demolish the flats, rather than try and renovate them.
That was after Blackshots ward councillor Cllr Maney spoke about his belief that the council would be throwing good money after bad if it spent money on the Blackshots tower blocks.
They are Morrison House, Keir Hardie House and Bevan House, which each are 12 storeys high and house 56 flats.
Cllr Maney reached his conclusions after much media coverage of the state of all tower blocks in Thurrock (see links below) which have been subject to huge and expensive refurbishment delays and claims that they are damaging the health of residents – particularly children.
In turn, Cllr Spillman said: "We are going to get rid of the Blackshots Towers and build a lovely new development for the people that live in Blackshots. Places where they deserve to live.
"We are looking to regenerate some of the most dilapidated estates around Thurrock."
The council is currently carrying out refurbishment to six blocks in South Grays to address issues with the existing external cladding system, ventilation of communal areas and weatherproofing.
However, a report to be discussed by the housing overview and scrutiny committee on Monday (21 November) says to do the same at Blackshotts would cost in excess of £10 million but would still not include upgrading essential items such as windows, and roof coverings.
There are 168 homes in the blocks, some of which are now privately owned.
The report adds: "Because of the condition and the standards of these blocks, it is clear that even with a full refurbishment giving a 25-year life span, these blocks will no longer meet residents' aspirations.
"Accordingly, an initial survey of residents' wishes was carried out. 72 people responded.
"The responses were received of which 51, or 71 per cent, expressed a preference for demolition, re-planning and redevelopment of the estate. In light of this, and the condition issues it is now critical that the principal of redevelopment is established, and that detailed design and development of proposals is commenced in order that residents can be further consulted on the future of their homes and the wider estate."
Councillors are being asked to set aside £200,000 to fund drawing up initial proposals.
One of the 72 respondents said: "These flats are a huge burden to the tenants. They are extremely expensive to heat and purchase electricity.
"They cause severe health problems from damp and mould. They are not large enough for families with limited storage and space."
Another said: "The buildings are 100 per cent at the end of their life and is about time they came down."
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