Clichy estate, Tower Hamlets

Circa 100 homes on Stepney's Clichy estate have been earmarked for demolition earmarked for redevelopment by Tower Hamlets Council.

In April 2020, the ballot of 'eligible' residents on Stepney's Clichy estate went ahead despite consultation sessions being cancelled due to the Coronavirus and resulted in a 98% vote in favour of redevelopment on a 90% turnout.

Residents had previously been consulted on an 'infill' option as well as full redevelopment. But the info pack sent to residents with the ballot papers asked only whether they wanted full redevelopment or not. Leaseholders were told if they voted against redevelopment then they would be faced with major bills. Residents were told that if they don't vote for full redevelopment then they will likely be faced with the infill option anyway:

The appointed architects PRP drew up plans for the redevelopment, which were approved by Newham's planning committee in April 2022.

The scheme of 412 replacement homes, of which 90 at London Affordable Rent, 36 at social rent, 20 shared ownership and the remainder private.

Newham's rehousing offer promises a new council home at the same rent level to secure tenants. Temporary tenants will be offered a secure tenancy on the redeveloped estate but will be charged an 'affordable rent':

'Your rent will be an affordable rent, in accordance with the definitions set by the Mayor of London.'

The policy for leaseholders is less clear:

The Landlord Offer says: "You will be offered a range of options to continue to own a new home in the Custom House Phase One area, depending on your financial circumstances."

Whilst both shared ownership and shared equity are both listed as possible options, small print in the Council's policy says: "Eligibility criteria will be worked out via co-production within the legal powers available to the Council."

This leaves the door open to Newham 'gatekeeping' the shared equity offer as has been seen in other schemes where leaseholders are required to undergo a financial assessment and are subsequently told that they don't qualify for shared equity and are offered only shared ownership (i.e. paying rent on the unowned part of their homes.)

Links: GLA Stage 1 report: https://gla.force.com/pr/s/planning-application/a0i4J000006cArbQAE/20211263?tabset-c2f3b=2