I live on the Northumberland Park Estate and would like to refute Cllr Alan Strickland’s comments on the “regeneration” (Haringey council is doing what residents want, Letters, 21 July). I am a leaseholder and have lived here since 2001. I have not had any meaningful consultation on the plans. Indeed, no one I know has even received any clear information on what the plans are. Almost all of the information given to residents has come from the campaign group protesting against the redevelopment, not from Haringey. There was a survey some time ago which asked very general questions about improvements, but no specifics.
Of course we want our estate improved – who wouldn’t? But that is not the same as wanting it demolished and sold off. As things stand I know it was signed off by the council because I read it in the Guardian. I do not know how this will affect me personally or when I will be expected to move. The rumour is that leaseholders will get market value plus 10%, but who will decide what market value is? A quick look at various websites seems to show that the sales value of ex-council properties in Tottenham is going down. I can only assume this is a result of the plans. How will this affect what we are offered and therefore our ability to choose where we want to live in future? I for one would not want another council lease after this for fear of it happening again.
Cllr Strickland appears smug in his assertion that this decision is being made for the benefit of local people, I cannot see how it is benefiting me or my neighbours.
Susan Smith
London
• Cllr Alan Strickland doesn’t state in his letter whether the survey by Soundings he mentions was commissioned by Haringey council or by the developer, Lendlease.
I attended many of the “consultation” events held by Soundings on behalf of Lendlease in regard to the redevelopment of the Heygate Estate in Southwark.
I found their methods patronising and manipulative. Agendas and meetings were set by them and anyone without the time and energy could not keep up. Why it was a single project, financial viability, affordability, social housing were all ignored. The colour of bricks and preserving some trees were the only contributions allowed.
I began my involvement as the Heygate contained massive amounts of asbestos and, when I raised this at meetings, I was immediately surrounded by their staff as if I had contradicted a cult leader!
Has due diligence been conducted on Lendlease? In 2012 one of its subsidiaries was fined $56m after a 10-year overbilling scheme on New York area projects.
Mick Larkin
London
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