farnham road - demolition

believe housing has decided to demolish homes that were built as temporary accommodation back in the 1960s. 

County Durham-based believe housing looked at the extensive work its 15 homes in Farnham Road, Durham, would need to meet modern standards.

It asked tenants for their views on the future of the houses, which are difficult to heat, insulate and modernise.

The houses were put up in the early-60s to temporarily accommodate staff working at the former Durham Passport Office.

Known as Calder homes, they were factory built and then finished on-site, with timber frames and asbestos cladding.

The non-traditional construction of the properties makes issues such as poor insulation, noise transfer, and heating costs difficult and costly to address.

This week (22 March 2023) believe housing’s Board considered all these factors alongside feedback from a six-week consultation period, during which 81 per cent of tenants who responded agreed with demolition.

Only 6 per cent were against demolition and the remaining customers who responded said they were undecided.

Board members agreed to proceed with the proposed demolition and colleagues from believe housing are visiting Farnham Road to advise customers in person, if possible, and to provide further information about the next steps and support available.

believe housing has also written to the owners of the seven neighbouring Calder homes to inform them of the decision and will discuss the impact and available options with them individually as soon as possible.

Nik Turner, Executive Director of Communities and Customer Services at believe housing, said: “The decision to go ahead with demolition was not an easy one.

“While these properties have exceeded their intended lifespan, we understand they are people’s homes and this is an emotive issue.

“However, it was clear from the outcome of consultation that customers also recognise the need for action to address the problems with these properties.

“All their feedback was carefully considered alongside the extensive improvements that would be needed to bring the homes up to modern standards. These would be disruptive for tenants, difficult to deliver and would represent poor value for money.

“As we look ahead to the future of Farnham Road, we’ll work closely with all those affected.

“We’ll help tenants move to the right home which meets their needs and is in a place they’re happy to live.

“We understand this could take some time and will have dedicated support in place throughout the process.

“Compensation will be available when customers move and there will also be financial support for the costs of moving.

“Clearly this decision also affects the owners of neighbouring Calder homes, which will be worrying for them.

“We plan to speak to them individually to discuss their particular circumstances, preferences and the options and support that is available.”