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Mathew Frith. Neighbourhoods Green how green spaces within social housing can enrich communities. Landscape Regeneration Manager Peabody Trust. neighbourhoods green. improving the green spaces of social housing. 20% of total housing stock, for over 5 million people in England
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Mathew Frith Neighbourhoods Greenhow green spaces within social housingcan enrich communities Landscape Regeneration ManagerPeabody Trust
neighbourhoods green improving the green spaces of social housing
20% of total housing stock, for over 5 million people in England owned by local authorities, >1550 Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMOs) and others high level of regulation via Housing Corporation and Audit Commission, linked to DCLG high proportion of disadvantaged communities specialist provision (e.g. sheltered, BME, RSI) affordable housing funded by DCLG, HC and private sector (£15 billion p.a.) RSLs acquiring more land social housing
regulatory priorities (e.g. Decent Homes) raising awareness challenging perceptions internal capacity and expertise management implications; residents, estates, buildings, ownership (leaseholders, social rent, etc.) security, crime and anti-social behaviour private versus communal space health & safety and low-risk culture funding challenges
significant legacy of poorly-designed and under-managed spaces accumulative disinvestment over many decades high fragmentation (compared to parks and other public open spaces) – ‘bitty’ significant contrasts in scale/layout ambiguous ownership for users increasing complexity of tenure land characteristics
tenure mix sheltered shortlife general needs key worker leaseholder key worker sheltered general needs leaseholder general needs general needs general needs market rent market rent sheltered shortlife general needs
tensions between private and communal needs competition for use (e.g. car-parking) development pressure competition for resources complex resourcing models absence of relevant regulatory framework low aspirations in terms of design and use spaces viewed as liabilities rather than assets land characteristics
planting • planting is viewed as a potential magnet for rubbish and anti-social behaviour rather than a source of pleasure for residents • planting on new sites is often poorly thought out; an orthodox mix of hardy evergreen shrubs with little consideration of what best suits the area • sustainability and biodiversity are rarely considered
looks good? perspicacity
works well? perspicacity
focus on our residents knowledge of our residents and their needs belief in empowering residents successful track records as regeneration agents ability to secure resources political priorities confidence strengths
to foster communal cohesion and empowerment • to enhance residents’ well-being • to improve play provision • to help meet climate change challenges • to encourage biodiversity • to enhance grounds and buildings • to create stronger links to nearby parks and green spaces • to secure new partnerships and funding… opportunities
Neighbourhoods Green social housing greenspace resource • highlight the importance of green spaces for the social housing sector • audit and evaluate social housing green space management, design and status • disseminate best practice within the sector • providing guidance and training • review, monitor and promote case studies • establish a network of champions within the social housing sector
Neighbourhoods Green • established by Notting Hill and Peabody Trust in 2003 • 3-year pump-prime funding from DCLG 2004-07 • web-site, publications, seminars • shortly to publish Scene not heard • current work on GFA and tree management • seeking to expand social landlord ‘ownership’ • draft business plan 2007-10
Neighbourhoods Green • Hyde • Notting Hill Housing • Southern Foundation • CircleAnglia • Gallions • Places for People • Riverside • Family Mosaic • Kush • Peabody Trust • Broomleigh • Kensington & Chelsea TMO • CityWest Homes • Hackney Homes • Presentation Homes • Newlon • and others…?
Decent homesDecent spaces Areas of opportunity
highlights the potential for ecological improvements to housing estates simple techniques based on tried and tested schemes aimed at social landlords and resident groups a natural estate
research by Groundwork Clapton Park TMO biodiverse estate Hammersmith & Fulham Housing Improvement Programme High Path Estate Community Garden Hounslow Estates Development Old Ford Housing Association; Furniture in the Street Productive Landscapes in Preston Orbit Bexley BTCV Green Gym Peabody Trust Tree Strategy case studies
It is vital that we include our residents, we want them to be delighted by their surroundings not intimidated by them. A sense of ‘belonging’ can be engendered by involving our residents in planning and nurturing the environment. Hyde Charitable Trust has donated a grant towards the refurbishment of Somerville Adventure Playground Buxhall Crescent: community growth through gardening doing it…
next steps? • Green Flag Award feasibility • pilots with Natural England • Big Lottery Fund programme • tree management guidance • climate change adaptation • audit of spaces? • enlarge partnership • secure future funding