Urgent measures needed to stop new estates from becoming stigmatised

A study supported by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation of residents' views on newly built estates in Yorkshire revealed widespread concern about crime and drug use and criticism of inadequate facilities for children and young people. Although they had only recently moved in, it found that people living on three out of four estates already felt their neighbourhood had a poor image.

The research was prompted by a special JRF report three years ago in which author David Page warned housing associations that they risked repeating the mistakes of the past by building large estates with high child densities and concentrations of the poorest and most vulnerable tenants. He urged associations to adopt policies that would avoid the problems of new estates becoming stigmatised.

Researchers from Sheffield Hallam University, who interviewed residents and housing professionals on the four estates, found welcome evidence that most people preferred their new homes to their previous accommodation. The majority were generally satisfied with life on the estate and the way it was maintained. But half those questioned complained of a lack of community spirit and nearly as many said they would have preferred to live elsewhere, given the choice. Three out of four considered that crime was a major local problem and thought the housing association, as landlord, could be doing more to help.

Residents also felt that new lettings on their estate should take more account of the need to build a viable community. They wanted housing association managers to scrutinise the suitability of tenants nominated by local authorities more carefully. Almost half those interviewed wanted more say in the running of their estate.

The proportion of children to adults on the four estates was five times the national average. Residents believed that this might still be manageable if better play, recreation and youth facilities were made available.

Ian Cole, co-author of the report, highlighted the contrast between the sense of community felt on one estate where particular efforts had been made to welcome and integrate new residents and one other where there had been negligible support: "This research suggests that housing associations need to move beyond a 'bricks and mortar' approach on their new estates, to community development work with residents, neighbourhood groups and local services both before and after the development takes place.

"There is a strong case for housing associations either directly promoting social and economic improvements or serving as catalysts for community involvement, better support services and improved communication throughout the neighbourhood."