The recent approval for funding of 400 new council homes has been welcomed by many as a step towards solving Hackney’s housing crisis.
But the announcement has also sparked fresh divisions, with some residents saying this week that their ongoing complaints were being ignored.
The project, given the green light early this year, will see construction across 14 council-owned sites; primarily targeting derelict garages and offices.
Developments will include nine terraced houses on the Nye Bevan Estate, new energy-efficient homes at Morris Blitz Court, and a block of 18 homes replacing garages at Blackwell Close.
According to Hackney Council, at least 300 of the homes will be offered at social rent, funded in part by the Mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme, with the others headed for the private market.
Concerns have been raised about the council’s neglect of existing housing in favour of new developments, particularly at Fellows Court, where residents have reported repeated leaks.
The Fellow Residents Action Group (FRAG) – a local group formed by residents of the building in response to ongoing problems – argues that building new homes should not come at the expense of maintaining current properties, with some members describing their conditions as a safety risk.
A spokesperson said: “Another flat has been destroyed by leaks. [There have been] too many failures in this block… but [the council] are happy to build fresh housing right next to it.”
The council attempted to strike a more positive note with Martin Mallon, Communications Officer for Mayor Caroline Woodley, describing the approval as “another milestone” in the borough’s ambition to deliver 1,000 new homes. The developments will be “spacious, energy efficient [and] designed in partnership with communities”.
Despite some opposition, the announcement has been welcomed by most residents. One local, Richard, said more housing is “urgently needed,” pointing to long waiting lists and affordability issues.
“The council is doing a good job, but more needs to be done. I support building much more and much faster,” he added.
Resident Harvey said: “Council housing is how a lot of people in low-income households get a chance to succeed. Amazing things happen when people accept each other.”
The council maintains it is already delivering 972 new homes, despite rising costs, which have now exceeded £500,000 per unit in London.
“We know there’s more to do,” Mayor Woodley added. “Which is why we want to expand our housing programmes to build thousands more [spaces] for the people in desperate need.”
While the new developments signal progress, the mixed reaction highlights a broader tension between the need to build more homes quickly and the need to ensure existing residents are not left behind.
Currently completing MA Newspaper Journalism at City st George's, University of London.