Plans to redevelop the Foxhill area of Bath, with the demolition of both private and social housing, have been abandoned by housing association Curo, it’s been revealed.
Curo has been posting letters through the doors of residents in Foxhill this morning, outlining their decision and a new plan to instead refurbish Curo-owned properties in the area.
In the letter, it states: “We have reluctantly taken the difficult decision to change our approach to regeneration at Foxhill. We will no longer consider demolition of homes on the Foxhill estate, either privately owned or belonging to Curo.
“Instead, we will work in partnership with local residents to create a new plan focussed on significant investment in the refurbishment of existing Curo-owned homes over the next few years.
“This will help give certainty to residents and deliver improvements to homes in Foxhill more quickly.”
Plans for the redevelopment of the Foxhill Estate, including the re-provision of up to 700 homes, were previously approved by Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Development Management Committee in July last year.
The plans had included the demolition of up to 542 properties in the Foxhill area. Curo’s proposals for the development included a maximum of 700 new homes, at least 30% of which would have been affordable.
The letter to residents continues: “As you may know, Curo – a housing association with charitable status – bough the Ministry of Defence land at Foxhill in 2013 because of the opportunity it offered to bring investment and lasting improvements to the Foxhill estate for the benefit of its residents.
“We worked with B&NES Council and local residents to develop a shared ambition for the new homes, improved connections and greater opportunities that could be created.
“However, since 2013 many things have changed. We were clear from the start that to deliver high quality new homes and sufficient affordable homes through large-scale regeneration on the Foxhill estate we needed three things: community support, political support and government funding to increase the number of social rented homes proposed.
“We’ve been working with and listening to the local community over the last five years. It’s clear that there is some opposition to the demolition of homes and to the loss of social housing that redevelopment would inevitably entail.”
Wera Hobhouse, the MP for Bath, reacted to the news, saying: “This is a victory for the people of Foxhill. I congratulate them for their determination and courage. This outcome demonstrates that when people get organised and fight for what they believe in, they can win. This is democracy in action.
“I have this morning spoken to Victor da Cunha and I welcome Curo’s brave decision to step back because they have listened to the residents.
“In the last 6 months, I have facilitated a number of meetings between Curo and the residents. It became clear at these meetings that Curo’s scheme would not win the support of the residents.
“My Lib Dem council colleagues and I have always opposed this planning application because of the loss of 99 social homes. We need the opposite.”
Councillor Cherry Beath, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Combe Down, commented: “Curo has been forced to make a tough decision but, in view of the circumstances, this is the right decision, and is in line with what I had advised from early in the process: a more sensitive, organic approach, working with residents.
“It will give certainty to residents and will be a great relief to those who opposed the demolition of their homes.
“This will also avoid a lengthy and expensive legal process, which would have held up any positive refurbishment to homes and the area.
“However, care will be needed with residents in the former first phase, who would have been planning for a move, and I will expect particular attention with arrangements.
“I welcome Curo’s commitment to work with residents going forward. Along with Wera Hobhouse MP, I have been working hard to help facilitate discussions between residents’ groups and Curo, and will continue to do so in this new phase.”
The letter distributed across Foxhill and signed by Curo Group Chief Executive Victor da Cunha, goes on to explain how recent legal action by a group of residents may have resulted in further delays to the overall redevelopment.
“We have received varying levels of political support and we have received no clear decision about grant funding from central government.
“Residents have told us that they no longer want to live with the uncertainty of what may happen to their home in the future. The recent legal action by a group of residents may result in further delays and uncertainty for 12 months or more. Even if this legal action is unsuccessful, this would not promote the necessary consensus to deliver a truly community-owned, successful project.
We have listened to the requests for clarity and we have acted. I realise this may be disappointing news for many of you, and I am also deeply disappointed.
“However, we remain committed to providing great homes, supporting communities and improving lives for our tenants in Foxhill and in all the communities we serve.
“I would like to thank all residents who have given their time and input to develop proposals for improvements in the area so far and hope this new approach will unite all local residents together behind a shared vision for the future of Foxhill.”
Bath and North East Somerset Council issued the following statement: “Bath & North East Somerset Council is aware that Curo have taken the decision to stop their comprehensive redevelopment of the Foxhill housing estate and to explore with their tenants options for refurbishing the existing social housing on the site.
“We understand that Curo has committed to focusing significant investment in the refurbishment of existing Curo-owned homes over the next few years – to help deliver improvements to their tenants in Foxhill more quickly.
“As the local planning authority, the Council has always taken a balanced view to this project. However, the Council has always made it clear that it supports improvements to the quality of housing for local people, delivered in a way that has the broadest possible support amongst the Foxhill community, and the Council has made significant efforts to facilitate better communication between Curo and local residents.
“This has included working with residents and Curo to develop the Foxhill Charter and taking the lead in the successful application to Government for Housing Zone status.
“The Council therefore remains committed to the principles of improved housing and investment in the area, providing increased opportunities for residents in Foxhill.
“We hope that Curo will take the opportunity to take stock of the situation and that they will continue to engage with their residents to give them more certainty over the future of the estate.
“The Council will look at the implications of Curo’s decision in more detail over the coming weeks.”
Residents are invited to contact the Foxhill Project Team if they have any questions or concerns, at the Mulberry Park Visitors Centre, which will be open today, on Thursday 1st March and Friday 2nd March. Alternatively, you can request a home visit by calling 0300 123 2460.