The Peggs Close flats to be bulldozed and replaced in £1.18m scheme

Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has earmarked £1.18 million for the revitalization of Peggs Close in Earl Shilton, involving the demolition of three council flat buildings plagued by anti-social behavior. Following a report acknowledging ongoing public safety challenges at the location, councilors opted to raze the structures.

The report highlighted that the 33 flats, featuring both one and two-bedroom units, faced difficulties in leasing two-bedroom flats due to their unpopularity among families with children. Moreover, couples and single individuals without children encountered benefit restrictions associated with the extra bedroom. Although structurally sound, the 1977-built flats necessitated £500,000 in essential repairs, requiring the relocation of all residents and incurring additional costs.

Citing poor visibility and an inability of CCTV cameras to address the issue, the report emphasized the flats’ susceptibility to anti-social activities. Demolishing the buildings provided an opportunity to redesign the area, eliminating crime and anti-social behavior hotspots.

Residents were presented with two options, with the majority favoring the complete demolition of the three blocks. Of the 33 flats, 19 were council-let, one privately owned, and nine vacant. The remaining four were utilized by the Earl Shilton Community House, which will be relocated without objections to the plans. Councilors voted to augment the capital budget by £1.18 million for the replacement scheme post-demolition, allocating an additional £200,000 for home loss and disturbance payments.

Council leader Stuart Bray asserted that the replacement housing would comprise a mix of property types, catering to housing demands and curbing anti-social behavior. Councillor Anna Weightman emphasized the importance of creating a safe living environment, portraying the redevelopment as an opportunity for the council to assist those unable to purchase property.

Ward councillor Richard Allen expressed enthusiasm for the move, citing the inadequacies of the existing flats’ design and construction. The unanimous vote to approve the regeneration plans signifies a commitment to replacing Peggs Close with a diverse range of properties. The council pledged compensation and assistance for tenants in securing new homes, while assuring the privately-owned flat owner of payment at the open market value.