Merlin Housing Society, the largest provider of social housing in the area, has informed residents that around 65 properties in Stoke Gifford (including Little Stoke) might require demolition as part of its redevelopment plan. The total number of houses to be redeveloped across South Gloucestershire is over 400.
The properties have been identified as having various structural problems such as poor insulation and damp. Merlin Housing has justified the need for its redevelopment programme by the fact that the houses were constructed after World War II as a quick and temporary solution for the many people that needed accommodation. The deteriorating condition of the buildings now requires restructuring. Over the next seven years, the housing society aims to refurbish some of the old houses and completely reconstruct others. Merlin has said that the demolition notices to residents are a legal requirement, but some of the notified houses may not be redeveloped.
As part of the redevelopment process, Merlin will compensate residents with a payment of £4,700 as well as provision of temporary accommodation elsewhere. Whilst most residents will come back to the same home, Merlin has said it cannot guarantee that everyone will be placed back in the same building because restructuring may mean that a different home in the housing society is more suited to residents when they move back.
We spoke to residents who will be affected by the changes in progress, and some were optimistic about the proposed redevelopment whilst others did not want to move. Sarah G, resident in the area for the past three years, told me that she felt the reconstruction is something which “needs to be done”. She said she felt positive about it although some of her neighbours “don’t want to be moved around and were confused why some houses were refurbished when it seems they will be demolished and rebuilt anyway.” But Sarah feels that she has support from the society “unlike people struggling with private rental”, such as her sister who had to relocate three times.
Local streets that will be affected by the redevelopment programme include:
- Collins Avenue
- Court Avenue
- Gipsy Patch Lane
- Little Stoke Lane
- Queens Way
- Rodney Crescent
- Rossall Avenue
Merlin Housing is issuing a regular newsletter to keep residents informed about the redevelopment strategy, and information about which houses will be affected can be found in the ‘Initial Demolition Notices’ posted on the Redevelopment page of its website.
Glad they have seen the light and are going to get rid of most of these house`s, they have been nothing but trouble to many tenants over the years this type of home as many people will tell you (damp. the cold.)