FAQ's

Is the Aylesbury a privatisation scheme?
The Aylesbury is being redeveloped to improve the lives of residents. It has been evident for a long time that the current buildings constructed in the 1960’s do not meet modern-day living standards and will continue to deteriorate. The decision to demolish the estate was arrived at after various options were considered, in full consultation with residents. In 2005, the council’s executive committee made the decision to demolish the estate in stages, replace it with new homes and facilities. This decision was supported by the majority of residents.

How are Aylesbury residents being involved in the decision-making processes?
We are involving Aylesbury residents at all stages of the decision making process. Members of the four Tenants and Residents Associations and the Aylesbury Leaseholder Group sit on the Aylesbury Steering Group, which meets on a monthly basis to help formulate plans for the development. Residents are also members of the a sub committee of the steering group, the Aylesbury rehousing group, which focuses on housing issues and the design of the new Aylesbury homes.

There are a lot of new homes being built in the new area – will the increased density (number of houses) lead to overcrowding?
You may be surprised to know that the existing estate is built to quite low density. Although there will be approximately 4,900 new homes built as part of the Aylesbury redevelopment, we don’t believe the new area will look or feel overcrowded. While this is an increase in the number of properties in the area, the new Aylesbury will look very different from how it does now. We have appointed a masterplanning firm to create a detailed plan for the area. They will work out the best way to balance the new housing with open spaces and roads, to ensure a more pleasant and safe environment.

Will the council continue to repair and maintain the Aylesbury during the regeneration process?
We are strongly committed to maintaining the estate throughout the regeneration process. Day to day repairs of your homes will continue as normal. A further £15 million has been committed to invest in the estate to make sure it runs smoothly. We comissioned a feasiblity study and have met with TRAs to obtain their views on maintenance priorities. This will ensure that the housing department invests money in areas that are important to you.

My new homes will not be owned by the council – how will this affect me?
Your new home will be managed by housing associations (also known as registered social landlords). They operate within the public sector for the benefit of the community and, like the council, are publicly accountable.
In the past housing association rents in Southwark have tended to be slightly higher than the council’s rents, and have varied from one association to another. However in 2002, the government introduced legislation to ensure that the rents set by the council and by different housing associations will be similar by 2010, for similar properties. If you are moving to a brand new home as part of the scheme your rent may be slightly higher than on the Aylesbury, to reflect the improved conditions and amenities. However your new rent will be set within both the government and Southwark Council’s guidelines for affordability and will be well below market rent values.
You need not worry about the nature of your tenancy. Housing associations have a policy known as assured tenancy. Assured tenants have statutory rights, which allow them to occupy their homes, protect them from eviction, and ensure that their landlords carry out repairs.