Dollis Valley Estate Regeneration Deal Collapses, £58.85m Grant Lost

Barnet Council is confronting a significant dilemma regarding the deteriorating state of condemned blocks of flats at Dollis Valley Estate, following the unexpected collapse of a regeneration deal with developer Vistry. This failure has resulted in the loss of a substantial £58.85 million grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA).

Deal Halted by Call-In Procedure

The agreement with Vistry, which had secured the GLA funding, was halted when Barnet's Conservative councillors used a rarely invoked procedure to 'call in' the deal. They cited concerns about its financial sustainability. This action prevented the council from meeting the GLA's deadline of 31 July for approving the project, leading to the withdrawal of the grant offer.

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Labour leader of the council, indicated that an alternative scheme might not be developed until early next year or later. In the interim, the council faces the prospect of unbudgeted demolition costs for the condemned flats, estimated to be as high as £3 million. Councillor Rawlings stated that this expenditure was not part of the council's current financial planning.

An alternative to demolition could involve securing the entire site with robust hoardings to prevent access and deter further vandalism. This measure is being considered due to the presence of squatters in some vacant flats and the general decay, including stagnant water from leaking pipes. Residents of nearby properties on the Brook Valley Gardens estate have expressed concerns about the prolonged dereliction.

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Differing Views on Regeneration Plans

Councillor Peter Zinkin, Conservative group leader, acknowledged the high cost of securing the abandoned blocks but suggested the council might need to wait for an improved housing market. He expressed support for returning to an earlier proposal that would have delivered 126 privately-owned homes and 95 affordable homes. This original scheme was deemed unviable by Vistry, prompting negotiations for a revised agreement.

The renegotiated deal with Vistry proposed 208 affordable homes. However, this shifted the balance from the initial plan, which aimed for 60% private homes and 40% social rent. The revised proposal would have seen only 40% of new homes on the estate available for private ownership. Opponents argued this proportion could make obtaining mortgages more difficult and potentially depress property values.

A meeting held on 4 August to discuss the Vistry agreement excluded a group of residents and The Barnet Society. The exclusion was based on the need to discuss issues of financial responsibility and sustainability in private. Councillor Zinkin defended the call-in procedure, stating it was important for the opposition to verify the cabinet's decision-making process. He noted concerns raised about Vistry's financial standing and the delivery risks associated with the commitment.

Councillor Rawlings expressed concern that further delays would create more uncertainty for residents who had been moved from their unsafe flats into temporary council accommodation. He recalled promises that these residents would have the opportunity to return to Dollis Valley. He highlighted the success of the first three phases of regeneration, which created the new Brook Valley Gardens estate with 400 homes, and expressed a desire to see the overall regeneration completed.

What Happens Next

Barnet Council must now decide how to address the deteriorating condition of the condemned blocks. Options include proceeding with demolition, which carries an unbudgeted cost of up to £3 million, or securing the site with hoardings. The council also needs to develop a new strategy for completing the regeneration of the Dollis Valley Estate, with Labour leader Councillor Rawlings suggesting this could take until early next year or later.