Memorandum by David R J Penney (EMP 28)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
My Submission addresses three main issues in
the Committee's List of Issues:
Problems and Causes of Empty Homes/Low Demand
(Issues (a) and (b)) and, in particular, the priority given to
the demolition of homes and the consideration (or lack of it)
given to effective methods of refurbishment (Issue (f))
As you will see from the three attached Papers,
I have submitted evidence which shows that:
(i) The need for refurbishment/renovation
is what residents want in preference to demolition. (Paper 1.)
(ii) Pathfinders should address the environmental
and social problems of deprived communities in a sustained way,
as a matter of priority. (Paper 1.)
(iii) The problem of empty and low demand
properties have been highly exaggerated in the light of social
rather than structural problems and the fact that the value and
demand for terraced properties is rising. (Papers 1, 2 and 3.)
(iv) Demolition is regarded as a first priority,
by Elevate, the East Lancashire HMR Pathfinder (a necessary prerequisite
to draw down funds). This policy is destructive and contrary to
the principles of and criteria for sustainable communities. Demolition
is costly in human terms (it disperses and blights communities)
and costly in economic terms (expensive waste of public taxpayers'
money) (Papers 2 and 3.)
My views and conclusions are based on my experience
as:
— Vice Chair/Secretary of Waterside
Community Network, which was involved in the consultations on
the Colne Area Development Framework, in the borough of Pendle,
within the East Lancashire HMR Pathfinder, Elevate.
— Former East Lancashire Voluntary
and Community [ELVAC] Representative on the "Shadow"
Board of Elevate Pathfinder.
— ELVAC Representative on the
East Lancashire Housing Forum.
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