Places for People believe Gilston will be a “great and sustainable place to live”
News / Wed 15th Nov 2023 at 01:52pm
OVER the last few weeks we have run a number of articles regarding resident’s concerns over the developments in Gilston.
Here is a résponse from there company who is behind the project.
A spokesperson from Places for People said: “As a social enterprise, and as one of the UK’s largest affordable home providers, Places for People has undertaken a thorough and complex viability assessment for Gilston Park Estate, rigorously assessed by the Council and further appraised by an independent third party.
“We are aware that a local resident has commissioned their own recent review of the viability assessment and we strongly refute their methodology and conclusions. Delivery of affordable housing will be subject to ongoing analysis as part of PfP’s commitment to undertake regular affordable housing reviews, which includes demonstrating costs incurred on an open book basis during the build out of the scheme which will ensure that affordable housing is optimised at all stages.
“The viability assessment prioritises key infrastructure commitments and community facilities which will make Gilston a great and sustainable place to live, and the resulting percentage of affordable homes ensures these critical elements remain deliverable, whilst promoting nearly 2,000 affordable homes.”
Nicholas Taylor
2023-11-15 15:11:53
We have already seen a huge reduction in the number of affordable homes that are going to be built at Gilston and more than just hints about delays which are likely to take place in providing infrastructure on site. It is interesting to hear that Places for People are dismissing the Viability Assessment undertaken by residents. It may turn out to be a great place to live, but with just two roads leading in and out of the "villages" there will no doubt be a huge increase in the amount of traffic on the A414 and roads in Harlow, adding to noise and pollution.
Kim Oconnor
2023-11-15 18:04:14
I agree Nicholas .Dismissal of public opions. what we were promised is not being delivered, reduction in affordability. Theses housing estates will be left with no facilities, if facilities were built first before housing perhaps people would believe in you more... Having said that, the destruction and disruption is in abundance, that 7,000 signatures against, and counting, in Harlow alone says it all.
Kim Oconnor
2023-11-15 18:05:15
I agree Nicholas .Dismissal of public opions. what we were promised is not being delivered, reduction in affordability. Theses housing estates will be left with no facilities, if facilities were built first before housing perhaps people would believe in you more... Having said that, the destruction and disruption is in abundance, that 7,000 signatures against, and counting, in Harlow alone, says it all.
Seamus
2023-11-15 20:58:38
It's becoming incredibly clear that the developers definition of affordable homes, is considerably different to the residents definitions of affordable homes.
Nostradamus
2023-11-15 21:01:11
Hggt pfp projects only benefit East East Herts and Epping Councils in meeting their housing targets. They get the grants and Council tax. Harlow gets overloaded, more pollution, more traffic, more congestion more flooding, more sewage discharges and the destruction of the Stort River Valley chalk stream habitat and environment. As seen with regard to the Epping Council development at Latton infrastructure like health centres are not provided and six cargo bikes from Gilston hardly amount to the "modal shift" to active and sustained transport. 6000 bikes of various kinds and the infrastructure like tracks, secure bike parking and park and ride might be a start with a frequent free public and comprehensive bus network. This in hand with the town losing PAH out of tofn into Epping and Harlow town centre being filled with clusters of hi rise flats. Harlow has been sold down the River to fill the pockets of property developers.
Kim Oconnor
2023-11-16 09:52:35
Yep, well said nosradamus.
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