To achieve the plans the council would need to demolish 149 existing council flats at Arbury Court, Kingsway and Brackley Close. Many of the homes are in poor condition, with structural issues creating fire and safety risks, and widespread damp and mould issues. These issues mean that it is unaffordable for the council to continually repair and refurbish the homes to meet the standard tenants deserve.
46 flats which are privately owned but face many of the same structural issues would also need to be bought by the council, along with five privately owned houses next to the Kingsway estate. Seven council houses would also need to be demolished under the proposals.
Moving people out of their homes is never an easy decision, but it is often the only way the council can afford to address poor housing conditions council tenants living in ageing properties face.
As with all other council regeneration projects in Cambridge, anyone required to move out of their home – whether council tenants or home owners – would be supported with financial compensation and logistical and financial help to move.
Everyone affected is encouraged to talk to the team at upcoming events or by arranging a one-to-one appointment. The team will support each and every household on a one-to-one basis to find a suitable new home.
Support for council tenants
We have a strong track record of supporting tenants through the process of moving out of homes that are no longer fit for purpose, often into new build council homes. Feedback from tenants is that they have been well supported, and that their new homes are more spacious, warmer, free of damp and mould, and with lower energy bills than current inefficient council homes.
Support for council tenants includes:
- Priority choice on a suitable, like-for-like council home using the council’s choice-based lettings system (Home-Link) – including brand new council homes
- One-to-one support based on individual needs and circumstances – such as where you work, where your children go to school, if you want to remain living close to particular neighbours, if you need to be within walking distance of particular services, any practical help you might need to move, as well as any support you might need to bid on or buy a new home
- A home-loss payment, currently £8,100, plus an initial £1,250 payment to cover moving expenses
- The right of return to the new development after work is completed, where desired
Support for home owners
Support for home owners includes:
- Being offered market rate for your home based on a property valuation by a RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) valuer
- An additional statutory compensation payment of 10% of the property value (if you live in the property) or 7.5% (if you do not live in the property) alongside reasonable disturbance costs
- Assistance with moving costs, including legal fees and stamp duty land tax
- A right of return to a new build home in the development area where desired. We recognise that sale prices of new-build properties may be beyond the means of some current owners, so consideration will be given to a shared equity option
- One-to-one support based on individual needs and circumstances throughout the moving process, from initial property searches through to organising the practical aspects of the move
