Harrow Council defends Mill Farm estate privatisation (From This Is Local London)

Harrow Council defends Mill Farm estate privatisation

4:51pm Friday 12th March 2010 in

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THE Tory housing boss has defended plans to privatise a Pinner estate.

Harrow Council says it cannot afford vital repair work at Mill Farm Close and so has no option but to pass it into the hands of private Catalyst Communities Housing Association.

Most tenants who want to will remain in rented social housing but will move to bigger, more energy efficient homes in a rebuilt estate that will also hold private accommodation.

Councillor Barry Macleod-Cullinane, responsible for housing, said: “This transfer is a very positive move and we are happy with the result, which means we can renovate an entire estate and improve the lives of tenants.

“We are always looking to improve our housing stock, but the unfair reality is that £7m a year of rent is being taken by the government and given to other parts of the country to improve their housing stock.

“In this current climate, the transfer to Catalyst Communities Housing Association is the best way forward for tenants of Mill Farm.”

The planned rebuild will include 193 flats, more than the current 110, and will also introduce a children's play area.

The designs are intended to make anti-social behaviour and crime more difficult.

Councillor Bill Stephenson, leader of the Labour Group, said: “We don't have the capital to do these sort of projects.

“It's sad to lose an estate but it does mean that hopefully there will be some really good housing. The tenants are overwhelmingly in favour, it will be a very promising development.”

Leading Tory councillors are expected to approve the scheme in a meeting on Thursday.