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Pounds 2m repairs for council homes

Nottingham Evening Post, Mar 2, 2010 by CHARLES WALKER

UP to Pounds 2m will be spent on structural repairs to 75 council homes in Nottingham.

The properties, known as Newland Homes, are made from prefabricated concrete panels.

They were built after the war as part of a huge building programme to accommodate former soldiers and their families. When they were built, it was envisaged they would be temporary, but they have stayed. The properties are poorly insulated, some have started leaking water, and in others steel rods in the concrete are thought to have corroded.

For the past 10 years Nottingham City Council has been rebuilding them, but the programme has been ad hoc and subject to resources.

Previously, the walls have been taken down and replaced by brick.

But now the council has decided to keep the existing walls and clad them, which is much cheaper. Coun Alan Clark said the approach would ensure the homes were warmer.

“The techniques now available are hugely effective and in a way that is actually the biggest problem [the homes face]. These houses are incredibly difficult to keep warm.” The city council has paid for more than 60 similar houses to be rebuilt, at a cost of more than Pounds 100,000 each, in a programme than began in 2000. Last year, the council proposed a new approach, costing Pounds 30,000 per property, which involved leaving the concrete panels in place and cladding them with some render on top.

Liberal Democrat councillor Gary Long said there were potential risks associated with opting for cladding over brick built walls.

He said: “I hope the council has done a proper technical appraisal to ensure they are of an adequate quality and will stand the test of time.”

Jennifer Deakin, a resident on Brindley Road, Bilborough, said: “I don’t want my house clad. They are just making the houses look pretty.

“All they will do is cover up the problems
ceiling insulation