A landmark decision has had the effect of banning students from moving into a new 52-homes housing estate close to Loughborough University. The 106 agreement by Charnwood Borough Council requires developers of the houses on the site of a former university hall not to permit 'the use of any dwelling' by anyone aged 18 to 27 who is studying at the college or university.
It is believed that this is the first time any sector of a community has been barred from living in a specific place. The outcome of the decision will be carefully monitored by other university cities, which have to deal with the same type of complaints from residents that instigated the Loughborough decision. In those cities, which have areas of high student residence, the decision could lead to local authorities also introducing "no student" clauses in planning decisions. Leeds, Newcastle, and Edinburgh are just a few cities believed to be watching developments with interest.
The National Union of Students was reported to be considering options for a legal challenge to the decision.
Croydon Council selected Eldon Housing Association as the preferred bidder in a £38 million private finance initiative. The Association was selected as part of a special purpose vehicle to manage and maintain three residential centres for older people and one extra care sheltered scheme.
The centres will provide 150 units of residential and nursing care, 40 extra care flats, and 128 day care places. Under a 30-year contract, Eldon will supply housing management and facilities management services. Croydon Council's Social Services Department will provide the specialist care workers.
The first large-scale social housing development for 50 years in Maidstone came closer, with the start of the regeneration of Park Wood Estate. Three local youngsters who won a poster design competition were involved and helped to operate the long arm of the demolition machine used to bring down the four-storey blocks built in the 1950s.
The Maidstone Housing Trust regeneration scheme is being carried out by Kier Partnership Homes. In this first phase, valued at £8.8 million, 50 flats will be demolished and replaced by 81 new dwellings. These comprise 29 apartments and 52 houses, ranging from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses.
When completed, a second phase will be carried out to demolish and replace the remaining blocks on the Park Wood Estate, with a further 80 houses. The Trust anticipates that the first houses will be available for tenants to move into in the spring of 2007.
Manchester City Council selected the Renaissance Consortium as the preferred partner for its private finance initiative (PFI) in Miles Platting. The consortium will carry out a £100 million redevelopment programme to refurbish 1,600 council homes and build over 1,000 new houses and apartments.