Landlords under fire for substandard living conditions
In a move aimed at enhancing living conditions for residents, Wiltshire Council has called upon housing providers GreenSquareAccord and Aster Group to uphold their legal and ethical responsibility to make their homes energy efficient and as cost-effective as possible.
The council's motion, scheduled for a meeting on 24 July, focuses on concerns raised by local residents and council members regarding GreenSquareAccord's redevelopment plans for Rudloe Estate. The plans involve demolishing existing houses and community facilities, with tenants being relocated during phased construction. The motion highlights that for two to three years, children, particularly those in flats or with special needs, will have no adequate outdoor play or exercise space. This lack of consideration has been described as an "outrage" by the council and local community.
The council's motion also demands better consultation practices and more responsible planning standards from both housing providers to prevent negative impacts on tenants, particularly vulnerable groups, during redevelopment projects. It indicates a strong local opposition to what is perceived as mismanagement, deception, and disregard for tenant welfare in property sales and redevelopment by these housing associations.
Both GreenSquareAccord and Aster Group have been criticized for poor maintenance and excessive service charges. In some cases, the cost of bringing a property up to the required standards cannot be justified, leading to its sale. The housing providers, however, claim that property sales can help fund reinvestment and improvement of housing stock.
GreenSquareAccord invested £71.2m on repairs and improvements in 2023/24. Both housing providers offer tailored support and compensation to impacted customers, including help with finding suitable alternative accommodation.
Wiltshire Council's Lib Dem leader, Ian Thorn, has stated that he has seen residents living in poor conditions in GreenSquareAccord properties. Nick Botterill, Cabinet member for planning, described the situation as 'appalling and unprofessional'.
The council is planning to pass the motion requiring better standards unanimously. Aster Group and GreenSquareAccord aim to build more homes that better meet customer needs through property sales. However, the removal of tenants from houses for sale on the open market has been a point of contention.
A meeting regarding the matter is scheduled for 24 July. The image provided is of Ivy Barn, but no connection to the topic was established in the text.
- In an effort to improve the quality of living for residents, Wiltshire Council urges housing providers, such as GreenSquareAccord and Aster Group, to not only meet their legal duties in making homes energy efficient but also consider the cost-effectiveness of sports facilities to cater to the recreational needs of the tenants.
- Given the concerns over the redevelopment plans by GreenSquareAccord at Rudloe Estate, the council is advocating for sports facilities to be included in new housing developments, ensuring that children, even those with special needs, have access to appropriate outdoor play and exercise spaces during, and post, redevelopment projects.
