The Priority Estates programme was established in 2007 by Harlow Council, initially in response to concerns about the condition of housing on the following residential estates:
- Barley Croft
- Lower Meadow
- The Briars
- Aylets Field
- Copshall Close
- Northbrooks
In 2008 the programme was broadened to recognise the importance of regenerating the estates, not only by improving the condition of the housing, but also the physical quality of the built environment and open spaces.
Many of the properties on the estates are suffering from substantial defects which are affecting the physical structure of the buildings, and properties on the estates are progressively failing the Decent Homes Standard. Consequently, a disproportionate amount of money is being spent on maintenance and upkeep. Furthermore, the design and layout of the estates is such that the properties do not interact well with the surrounding public space, or indeed with each other.
Harlow Renaissance has supported and worked alongside Harlow Council in driving forward the Priority Estates programme since 2007. During this time, a number of pieces of research have been undertaken, which have helped inform and shape the project strategy. Of note are the following studies:
- Area Investment and Renewal Framework (GVA Grimley, 2007)
- Stock Condition Survey (Ridge, 2009)
- Residential Market Analysis (Savills, 2009)
- Implementation Strategies (E C Harris, 2010)
- Dorran Construction Technical Note (E C Harris, 2010)
Considerable consultation has also taken place with residents and members of the community, in addition to a series of consultation and briefing events to inform and secure buy-in from Council Members. A vision for the Priority Estates was developed in 2009 during consultation with residents, community members, stakeholders and Council Members. The agreed vision is:
“To create successful, desirable neighbourhoods which engender prosperity and enhanced standard of living, of which current and future communities can be proud”.
This vision is underpinned by six core principles:
- Balanced and mixed neighbourhoods providing places of choice for a range of ages and incomes.
- Well designed layouts with good communal and public spaces that retain the best of Gibberd’s philosophy, but also reflect changes in lifestyles.
- Good quality of green space in terms of views, accessibility and security.
- Provide sustainable dwellings that are economic to run in terms of energy, waste and long term maintenance
- To enable lasting improvements to community facilities, education and well being through the development of partnerships.
- Appropriately connected and accessible neighbourhoods
The Priority Estates programme will continue to be delivered through extensive and continuous engagement with the communities affected by the proposals; it will require a strong input from local residents and stakeholders. It is hoped that local people will be actively involved in the design process from the very beginning, and opinion and consensus will be sought at every stage on how the project progresses.
In terms of moving forward, Harlow Council will be appointing Quantity Surveyors to assess the true cost of refurbishing the properties on Lower Meadow and Barley Croft. They will also be seeking to appoint architects, via a competitive tender process, to work with residents to develop a Design and Development Brief for The Briars, Aylets Field and Copshall Close, the purpose of which will be:
- to set out to potential developers the nature of acceptable development for the estates
- to promote a high standard of layout and design
- to ensure that the aspirations of residents are satisfied as far as is practicable
- to ensure that the design is in accordance with the Council’s Design Standards and Local Plan policies
- to satisfy the vision and the underlying core principals
It is hoped that a suitable development partner will be identified, some time between autumn 2011 and spring 2012, to deliver the regeneration of The Briars, Aylets Field and Copshall Close.
Harlow Council will also be seeking to appoint a design professional to work with residents to produce a masterplan for Northbrooks. Opportunities for potential land swaps that could aid the regeneration process will also be explored during this time.
For any queries regarding the Priority Estates Programme, please contact the Council’s dedicated Priority Estates Officer, Sarah Swann, on 01279 446449 or sarah.swann@harlow.gov.uk.