|
|
 |
| |
Dobbo anger at nurses’ home sell off
MP ‘furious’ over secret deal
A SECRET deal to sell a nurses’ home to developers has sparked outrage among politicians and residents.
English Partnerships (EP) has confirmed the sale of 1-9 Huntley Street, Bloomsbury, to private developers Barratts Homes – but refuse to say for how much, citing “commercial confidentiality”. EP, a government agency which buys up properties to create London-wide affordable housing, first bought the block of 54 flats from University College London Hospital for £9.5 million in 2004.
This week when EP announced just over 60 per cent of the accommodation (34 flats) will be private, with the rest going to key workers and first-time buyers. In return, EP has promised to create up to 70 more affordable homes in places such as Walthamstow, Streatham and Romford.
Holborn and St Pancras MP Frank Dobson accused EP of property speculation. He said: “It’s quite clear that this policy is being pursued without the least concern for the needs of the people in our area. It’s outrageous. They are selling off public housing at a very high price to finance building in other parts of London where prices are lower. It does absolutely nothing for people in this area where everyone in Camden is concerned about homelessness and people being priced out. I’m really angry about it.
“I’ve spoken to people at EP and they say it’s too late now, we can’t do anything about it and we think it’s a good idea.”
The building, built 100 years ago as a police hostel, has a history of housing nurses, teachers and other public servants in rented accommodation.
Max Neufeld, president of the Charlotte Street association said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful. These units are being lost in an area where no affordable housing has been provided in 11 years.”
Mr Neufeld has laid part of the blame on UCLH, claiming they passed over a deal with Acton Housing Association to retain the building for 100 per cent key workers in favour of more money from EP.
Peter Dixon, chairman of UCLH trustees and of the housing corporation, says he is embarrassed at how long the building has been left empty and added UCLH chose to go with EP because the offer from the housing association was much lower.
Barratts Homes refused to comment.
|
 |
|
|
|
