Written evidence submitted by Rev David
Gray
There is much fear around regeneration in ordinary
communities because of past models such as the Highland Clearances
that had no regard for the ordinary people that would be displaced
and were driven on a class agenda and the Slum Clearances that,
though well intentioned, broke up the connectiveness of families,
neighbourhoods, societies, clubs, brass bands, orchestra's etc
and left a remnant of misery that led to siege mentality, crime
and anti-social behaviour.
I've only a short while to respond as I'm due on
pastoral visits, but some key approaches I would recommend are:
— Build
on what is good: people, architecture, custom, history etc—present
in even in the most disadvantaged communities.
— Refurbish
rather than demolish.
— Involve
local people.
— Don't
let the profits of developers dictate things—there are many
other factors that need to be considered.
— Reawaken
and tap into the giftedness of local people—who may have
come to believe themselves unskilled.
— Give
serious consideration to companies who, though not conventional,
can deliver eco-affordable housing if given the nod.
April 2011
| 
