Areas being monitored
RENEW’s regeneration programme continues to be directed towards the areas of North Staffordshire that show the worst concentrations of housing market weakness in terms of house prices, turnover and vacant properties.
Our analysis of housing market conditions across North Staffordshire underlines the need to maintain RENEW’s focus on Stoke-on-Trent’s ‘urban core’ and to increase the levels of support and activity in these areas.
This focus has had implications for some of the other RENEW areas.
Norton, Abbey Hulton, Bentilee, Blurton and Chell Heath
These suburb estates are no longer showing market failure in terms of house prices, turnover or vacancy levels.
However, neighbourhood satisfaction research indicates that if the current limited choice of housing for sale and rent is not tackled, these communities are vulnerable to problems caused by people moving in from adjoining areas.
A survey conducted among residents in 2007 confirmed that problems in the neighbourhood are area-related, rather than property related. Improving the choice of homes available and providing affordable housing options offers these neighbourhoods a sustainable future.
The findings from the survey have been used by Stoke-on-Trent City Council to develop a programme in partnership with the private sector - a private finance initiative known as PFI6.
Working under the direction of the council’s housing department, the initiative proposes a series of 23 housing schemes that will provide a range of different types of accommodation, across the city’s key suburban estates. The new housing will include a combination of properties for purchase or rent, with a particular focus on improved housing options for older people, young families and larger families.
Biddulph East
A review of this area has been undertaken and a series of options developed.
Following discussion with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, it has been agreed that the council will lead on housing improvements in this area as part of its mainstream programme. RENEW will therefore not be taking forward any programmes in this area.
For more information about any of these areas, email: renew@stoke.gov.uk
