Area Planning
Description of project
In Greets Green, Sandwell, a resident forum undertook the socio-environmental assessment component of the Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment (NRA). A Compulsory Purchase Order was confirmed without modification at enquiry, and the inspectors report stated that 'the council has gone to unusual lengths to involve local residents in the process.'
The problem
The area had been identified by the Council as one requiring action to tackle high levels of poor housing and social deprivation a NRA was needed. A decision as to the long term viability of the area was required. This area has a significant (70 per cent) black and minority ethnic population. In terms of community cohesion the partnership wanted the community at the centre of the design making process.
How the work developed
During 2002 and 2003, Sandwell Council undertook a detailed NRA. The Greets Green Partnership agreed a housing plan for the area based on the strategic direction developed through an independent options study led by the neighbourhood renewal advisor. This promoted a radical regeneration option, aimed at tackling the worst problems and involving significant redevelopment on a number of sites. Following further consultation with residents during 2003, there was a growing consensus to pursue the radical option and four sites were identified for early intervention.
Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council set up a resident forum. After capacity building training in association with the New Deal for Communities programme, the forum undertook the socio-environmental assessment component of the NRA. A consultant also worked with owner occupiers to explore issues of self build, community land trust and low cost home ownership and acted as residents' friend to inform and educate on the various housing options available.
The outputs from this work
This process had a number of outputs for the area. These include:
- community support for the option selected
- development options which were fully appraised by the community
- increased community capacity
- the creation of a Housing Action Area residents forum
The impact of this work for the pathfinder area
The work has been seen to have a number of impacts, both for the local area, as well as the council and for Urban Living. These include:
- a more radical and innovative approach to Community Cohesion
- reducing project risk - there is wider community support for the project
- increased speed in project delivery by ensuring decision processes are in place
This approach is viewed as good practice within the UL partnership. It is used as good practice guide for similar activities within the UL area.
The project has been recognized with a Regen WM award.
Wider application and potential further development
In future, UL intend that other projects will be 'bench' marked against the approach to community involvement.
Further information
Greets Green Partnership (external link)
Urban Living - Birmingham and Sandwell Pathfinder (external link)