The Top Streets area of Higher Broughton has been riddled with controversy since demolition of existing houses was first proposed. People have had their houses under valued, old buildings that were full of character have been bulldozed and there's still a High Court case involving three residents who are trying to save their houses.
That case comes up before the High Court on October 21st – but before any settlement has even been reached, Countryside Properties has unveiled plans to build 80 new houses in the area. And, whereas Salford City Council had pledged to refurbish 23 properties, these plans only show eight of the old houses remaining. And whereas the old houses are being valued around the £60,000 mark, these new houses range in price from £142,000 to £238,000.
This is well outside the price bracket of the people who used to live on the Top Streets and will lead to accusations of social cleansing. As if to prove the point, Countryside Properties last had a `community consultation' in September – but `forgot' to invite the existing residents of the Top Streets who actually have a legal interest in the plans.
For yesterday's unveiling of the plans they yet again `forgot' to invite the Top Streets residents – until one of them found out and kicked up a fuss with Salford Council.
On Saturday morning, letters suddenly arrived at the residents' doors by Special Delivery, inviting them to the `community consultation'.
The Countryside Properties plans are still subject to planning permission – and the High Court case on 21st October.
See previous Salford Star stories on the Top Streets by clicking here and following the links
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