Proposed redevelopment of airey properties

In February 2003 Cabinet considered the long-term future of South Cambridgeshire District Council's non-traditionally constructed Airey properties. These properties were built in the 1950's and 1960's using pre-cast concrete methods of construction and have a limited life span in the absence of major improvement/refurbishment. Although the houses could be improved this is an expensive option and would not bring them up to lifetime home standards. It was therefore agreed in principle that redevelopment where feasible was the most sustainable option and would maximise the provision of new affordable housing for the benefit of current and future residents of South Cambridgeshire.

Ahead of any formal decision to redevelop Airey sites a full consultation process was organised in order to gain residents' views and ideas. Assurances were given to all residents that the District Council had no desire to insist that tenants or owner-occupiers move from their current home if they did not wish to do so. From the consultation process it was established which of those sites could be progressed because the majority of those affected tenants were in favour of redevelopment. Others where existing tenants and residents were not in favour of the proposals could be considered in the future. There will be ongoing consultation throughout the redevelopment process involving affected residents and representatives of the local community, including Parish Councils and Local Members, to consider the needs of existing and future residents.

The Council have in consultation with affected residents appointed Circle Anglia as the partner Registered Social Landlord (RSL) to take the project forward which includes schemes at:

  • Boxworth Road/Paddock Row, Elsworth
  • Dale Way/Sunderlands Avenue/Churchfield Avenue, Sawston
  • St Vincents Close, Girton
  • Silverdale Avenue, Coton

The first scheme to be redeveloped was in Elsworth in the summer of 2007, which saw the demolition of six Airey properties and 12 new homes built. The second scheme got underway in December 2006 and saw the demolition of 28 Airey properties at Sawston, which is the largest of the Airey redevelopment schemes. Building works have progressed on target and Circle Anglia is pleased to announce the completion of the new energy efficient homes, which will provide 18 rented and 20 shared ownership properties.

The scheme at Girton is also well underway and Circle Anglia has recently been successful in their in-year bid for Housing Corporation funding which will enable the provision of 15 affordable homes on this site. It is hoped that the final scheme to be redeveloped at Coton can commence once planning permission is approved.

Guinness Trust has also undertaken a redevelopment scheme at Whitton Close, Swavesey, which saw 4 Airey properties demolished and 12 affordable units to be completed by early Spring 2008. A further two existing Airey properties will also be refurbished as part of this scheme.

Initial Demolition Notices (Suspension of the Right to Buy) have now been served on those residents affected.

For further information regarding the redevelopment of the Airey sites, please contact the Housing Development & Enabling Manager on 01954 713332