Key Takeaways
- The UK government has approved a £90m plan to demolish 400 homes in Blackpool and replace them with 230 new properties, despite concerns from residents and critics.
- The area has one of the highest concentrations of poverty in England, with over 800 people living in the poorest 10th of the population.
- Residents are worried about being made homeless and exacerbating the town’s housing crisis, which already has a shortage of affordable properties.
- The council claims the project is necessary to regenerate the area and improve living standards, but critics argue it will worsen the housing crisis and displace vulnerable people.
Introduction to the Problem
The UK government’s plan to demolish 400 homes in Blackpool and replace them with 230 new properties has sparked controversy and concern among residents and critics. The area, which is one of the poorest in England, will see a significant reduction in the number of affordable properties, exacerbating the town’s existing housing crisis. Despite the council’s claims that the project is necessary to regenerate the area and improve living standards, many residents are worried about being made homeless and struggling to find alternative accommodation.
The Demolition Plan
The demolition plan, which is part of the government’s levelling up proposals, aims to replace 400 "poor quality" houses with 230 "high quality, energy efficient" properties, including upmarket townhouses. However, many residents are skeptical about the need for demolition, citing the fact that many of the homes are still habitable and have been well-maintained. The council’s impact assessment identifies over 800 people living in the regeneration zone, including 50 toddlers and about 200 children aged under 15, who will be affected by the demolition plan.
Concerns about the Housing Crisis
The demolition plan has raised concerns about the town’s housing crisis, which is already severe. Blackpool has one of the lowest levels of social housing in England, with only about 10% of all properties available for social rent. The town’s social housing waiting list is also one of the longest in the country, with nearly 12,000 households waiting for a home. The reduction in affordable properties will only worsen the crisis, leaving many residents struggling to find alternative accommodation.
Criticism from Residents and Critics
Many residents are criticizing the demolition plan, citing concerns about being made homeless and struggling to find alternative accommodation. One resident, Paul Kimberlin, has vowed to "fight the bulldozers all the way" to stop the demolition of his home. Others, like Brian and Rose Timmins, have reluctantly agreed to leave their beloved Victorian terrace after the council offered to move them into supported accommodation. Critics, including Matthew Lockwood, a church leader, have described the plan as a "mass dispersion" of vulnerable people, which will only worsen the town’s housing crisis.
The Council’s Response
The council has defended the demolition plan, citing the need to regenerate the area and improve living standards. The council’s leader, Lynn Williams, has said that the project is a vital part of the "systematic and wholesale" regeneration of the town. However, the council has failed to provide clear answers about how many of the new homes will be social or affordable housing, leaving many residents worried about their future.
The Human Cost
The demolition plan has already taken a significant human toll, with one resident, Alistair Taylor, taking his own life after being forced to sell his home to the council under a separate regeneration plan. The coroner’s report into his death cited the council’s approach as having a "lack of focus and thought but not ill feeling". Many residents are now worried about the impact of the demolition plan on their mental health and wellbeing, with some reporting increased anxiety and stress.
Conclusion
The demolition plan in Blackpool has sparked controversy and concern among residents and critics. While the council claims the project is necessary to regenerate the area and improve living standards, many residents are worried about being made homeless and exacerbating the town’s housing crisis. The plan has already taken a significant human toll, and it remains to be seen how the council will address the concerns of residents and critics. One thing is certain, however: the demolition plan will have a lasting impact on the town and its residents, and it is essential that the council takes a more nuanced and compassionate approach to regeneration.
