consultation launched on future of houses 

Tenants living in 1960s houses, built as temporary accommodation for workers in Durham city, are being consulted about the future of their homes.  

County Durham-based believe housing has contacted customers in 15 homes on Farnham Road, Durham, asking for their views on a proposal to demolish the properties.   

The housing provider’s Board agreed to start consultation after looking in detail at issues with the homes such as poor insulation, noise, and heating costs.  

Members considered the viability, disruption, and cost of potential improvement works to address concerns raised by customers and local politicians.  

Nik Turner, Executive Director of Communities and Customer Services at believe housing, said: “The decision to consult on possible demolition has not been taken lightly.  

“We fully appreciate this is about people’s homes and may be unsettling for customers, but we need to determine the best way to provide homes fit for the future.  

“Board members are committed to fully considering customers’ views, so I’d encourage all those affected to engage with this consultation.”  

The houses date back to the early-60s when they were put up to temporarily accommodate staff working at the former Durham Passport Office.  

Known as Calder homes, they were factory built and then finished on-site, with timber frames and asbestos cladding.  

Ruth Dent, Director of Assets and Compliance at believe housing, said: “The non-traditional construction of these homes makes any building work, such as insulating walls and roofs, difficult and costly.  

“The asbestos panels make repairs challenging and expensive and, although they pose no risk if undamaged or undisturbed, some customers have safety concerns.  

“Windows, doors, kitchens, and bathrooms would need updating in the near future, on top of ongoing maintenance work.  

“To try to bring these homes up to the required standard would involve significant and disruptive work, during which residents would have to move out.  

“It was only after careful consideration of all this information that the Board agreed to consult residents about potential demolition.”  

The consultation period will last for six weeks, ending on Monday, 20 February 2023.  

Nik added: “Our teams are here to support customers, to discuss the consultation process and how any decisions might affect them.  

“It is important that customers share their views on the proposal and any alternatives they feel should be considered. 

“Consultation responses will be presented to Board members to consider, and customers will be informed of their decision. 

“Should that include demolition, help and support would immediately be available to those affected. 

“We are also contacting the owners of other Calder homes in the area to inform them about this consultation and will discuss it further with them once we know the outcome.” 

To find out more about this consultation and to have your say, please click here.