Dear Editor,

I am writing on behalf of residents from Stackfield, Mark Hall Moor, and Great Plumtree following a recent meeting with residents, Cllr Paul Jago of Reform Harlow and Michael Houlihan of Harlow Labour concerning Harlow District Council’s proposal to demolish three blocks of garages across these estates.

At the meeting, residents heard how one tenant received notice in November that the garages he rents were to be demolished, followed in December an eviction date of 16th January, without any offer of alternative provision.

Only after intervention was an alternative eventually suggested. Many others present reported receiving no such offer at all, while some had received no letter whatsoever. Around a dozen residents attending the meeting were either directly affected or deeply concerned that their garages may be next.

It is important to make clear that these garages are not derelict. The majority, well over 50% used as previous criteria for this type of work are currently in use.

Residents strongly dispute any suggestion that they are redundant or unused. In fact, all of the garages could be occupied were it not for the council’s refusal to release vacant units to people on the waiting list, citing the need for refurbishment.

This decision has artificially reduced usage and cannot reasonably be used as justification for demolition.

A number of troubling issues were raised. Residents described repeated forced relocations between garages, difficulty contacting relevant council officers, and a lack of clarity over notice periods.

Others highlighted the poor condition of the garages, noting that requests for basic repairs or permission to improve them were refused, while the buildings were allowed to deteriorate.

One particularly concerning account described a garage being declared unsafe by a surveyor, only for this assessment to later be withdrawn, leaving the tenant unable to use the space but still paying rent.

These experiences point to inconsistency and a lack of proper oversight.

There are also serious practical consequences being overlooked. Some garages near Stort Tower in Great Plumtree are used to store bicycles that residents rely on as a primary form of transport—particularly when lifts are out of service.

If these garages are removed, residents could be forced to store bikes inside their flats, potentially carrying them up and down nine flights of stairs, which is neither safe nor reasonable.

It was also noted that some garages are currently used by the council itself, and that there is no clear parking pressure in areas such as Stackfield or Great Plumtree to justify demolition and replacement with hard standing. Importantly, several residents rely on their garages to store mobility scooters.

It is deeply ironic that a move intended to improve accessibility could instead disadvantage the very residents it is meant to support.

Through a Freedom of Information request by Cllr Michael Houlihan, it has been established that the garages generate more income in rent than is spent on repairs, indicating that demolition is not financially driven.

Furthermore, while housing developments fall under Conservation Area rules, the garages do not—raising further questions about the justification for their removal.

Residents are not opposed to progress, but they are asking for fairness, transparency, and proper consultation. Informing tenants by letter after decisions appear to have been made does not amount to meaningful engagement.

At the very least, residents are seeking a pause to the evictions and demolition, clear justification for the proposals, and guaranteed alternative solutions for all affected tenants.

A compromise must be explored.

As part of the council’s Building Harlow’s Future plan, 1,000 new parking spaces were announced in November 2025.

While I admire the ambition behind this target, Harlow District Council must remember that rushing to fulfil numerical goals without proper care and attention is counterproductive. The needs of residents must come first—always, and without exception.

Yours faithfully,

Julie Taylor – Harlow Green Party

(On behalf of affected residents)

Further: YH understands that the garages affected are: Blocks 1-8 and 59-65 Stackfield.. Blocks 26-32,35-40,41-52,53-66 Great Plumtree, 31-34 Mark Hall Moors and 1-14 Tanys Dell.