Questions About Housing Market Renewal

Q. What is Housing Market Renewal?

A. Housing Market Renewal is a response to the problems of failing housing markets. Poor quality housing and a mix of housing that does not meet the demands and aspirations of both present and future communities.

Q. Why Housing Market Renewal in Rotherham?

A. Rotherham has swathes of obsolete housing running almost down the centre of Rotherham. From the Dearne right through the centre and out to Canklow. And we have had a problem with market failure in housing. There’s been vacant housing and very poor quality housing, there has also been deprivation in those areas and the government took this into account when setting up the Housing Market Renewal areas.

Q. What are the causes of low demand housing?

A. In some places there is a great deal of housing that people simply do not want to live in. The reason for this varies from place to place, but the common features are, lack of choice, poor quality housing and a sub standard neighbourhood infrastructure, facilities and services.

Q. Will there be demolition?

A. In some circumstances there will have to be demolition, to make way for better homes and facilities.

Q. How will I know if I will be affected?

A. If your neighbourhood is going to be affected we will make sure that everybody is kept up to date with the proposals and get a chance to air your views. This may be through local events, residents groups, newsletters, questionnaires or one to ones.

Q. Has this not all been done before?

A. Housing Market Renewal is taking a new approach to tackle the problems caused by low demand housing, unlike in the past when funding for regeneration was only given on a short term basis this is a long term initiative.

Q. What’s the timetable?

A. This is a long term programme that will last 10 to 15 years.

Q. Will local people have a say in what’s going to happen?

A. None of the projects will take place without the full involvement of the local community, who will be given the opportunity to shape the future of their area by contributing to the development of any projects in their neighbourhood.

Q. Are people going to be able to afford the new houses?

A. Rotherham is looking at a variety of ways to meet the housing needs of people with different incomes. This includes ensuring developers make a percentage of their new builds affordable and looking at other options such as shared ownership

Q. How can we make things better?

A. Our aim is to create sustainable communities where people will want to live. That offers a wide range of good quality housing, to rent or buy, in areas that are safe and pleasant. This will help to improve the quality of life in Rotherham – boosting confidence and attracting new people to the area. At the same time we will be working with other regeneration programmes to improve job opportunities, transport links, green spaces, education and health facilities.