3:00pm Friday 23rd May 2008
By Jon Austin
TWO regeneration schemes which promise low-cost homes are under threat - because of problems over funding.
Basildon Council is locked in talks with the Housing Corporation to secure cash it promised towards rebuilding the Royal Court tower blocks at Laindon.
There is also an outstanding dispute over its funding towards building 45 homes on the site of the former Willow Court sheltered housing complex in Wickford.
This project was set to fund improvements to the nearby swimming pool, which would be the focal point of the town's £120million masterplan.
Tony Ball, councillor in charge of house building, said he remains hopeful talks with the corporation over Royal Court today will reach a positive outcome.
But he admitted the project to replace the estate with new flats and houses had already been delayed six months because of the dispute.
He said: "The council has agreed to put in £1,250,000, which we got from an agreement from the developers who built the Icon flats by Basildon train station.
"This will pay for the affordable homes element. There have been some problems with the amount to come from the Housing Corporation, as these schemes are more expensive because they involve demolition work and high levels of affordable housing.
"I am confident this will be sorted out."
Mr Ball said discussions over the Wickford project were not at such an advanced stage, but the priority was getting Royal Court finalised first.
John Dornan, ward councillor for Laindon Park which includes Royal Court, blamed the Government for the delays.
He said: "I want to see the Royal Court development go ahead as soon as possible and am concerned at yet more delays. A number of residents have contacted me asking when things will start moving and I have sat in while one of the residents met with officers and was told there were problems with funding.
"It is ridiculous the Government sets targets for affordable housing and when we are sitting there ready to build them, it doesn't supply the money."
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