Petwell Crescent
believe housing is supporting customers affected by the decision to demolish bungalows, following consultation with tenants.
background
In July 2024 the Board of believe housing met to consider the results of consultation with tenants at Petwell Crescent, in Easington, over the future of their homes.
Built in the 1950s and early 1960s, these 49 bungalows – several of which are unoccupied – have been prone to surface water flooding. Many have required extensive repairs due to water damage to the floors and brickwork.
They are also difficult to keep warm and the small size and design of the homes means they are no longer considered to work well for older customers.
We held a six-week consultation period on the possible demolition of these homes. The percentage of tenants who responded to the consultation was 87%.
The results were:
- 45% agreed with the proposal to demolish the properties
- 47.5% disagreed with the proposal
- 7.5% neither agreed or disagreed, or left their form blank.
The Board considered all feedback and comments, along with alternative options including partial demolition, and decided that full demolition should proceed.
This is due to the extensive and disruptive nature of the improvements needed to address flooding, damp and mould issues, deliver required structural improvements, and to bring the homes up to modern standards. Similar issues would apply if only some of the homes were demolished.
In reaching this decision, members also took into account that 11 of the bungalows were unoccupied at the start of consultation and a further three tenants moved out during that time.
Supporting residents
Members of our Neighbourhoods Team visited residents to inform them of the decision, in person, following the board meeting.
Tenants were also provided with printed information about the decision, next steps, and all the support available to them.
We continue to work closely with everyone affected and there is dedicated support available to help them relocate to a new home of their choice.
Compensation will be available when customers move and there will also be financial support for the costs of moving.
The dedicated support team can be contacted by phoning our customer hub on 0300 1311 999 or by emailing the team direct on PetwellRelocation@believehousing.co.uk.
The future of Petwell Crescent
Early plans for the regeneration of the Petwell Crescent site, following the future demolition of existing homes, are now being developed.
Our initial proposal is for up to 38 new affordable homes, including 25 bungalows and 13 houses, with a mix of two and three-bedroom homes. Most of the homes will be available through social rent, with a small number available for affordable home ownership, to help meet local housing demand.
Local people are invited to view the plans, ask questions and share their views at a drop-in consultation event at Seaton Holme, Easington Village, Peterlee, SR8 3BS, on Thursday, 4 June 2026, between 3pm and 6pm.