4A.5C - Conflicts
Conflicts can occur among contrasting groups in communities that have different views about the priorities and strategies for regeneration, these have complex causes (lack of political engagement and representation, ethnic tensions, inequality and lack of economic opportunity.)
Conflicts can occur due to:
Conflicts caused by regeneration:
Lower Falinge is a sink estate in Rochdale housing about 1000 people, which was built in the 1970s. It has consistantly been ranked one of England's most deprived areas.
There are conflicting views over what to do with the estate - from a local council and one resident wanting to demolish it, to a resident calling it 'just outdated', to a 32-year-old asylum seeker calling it nice.
Despite its serious problems, it's 'home' to many people who are attached to it, even recent arrivals like the asylum seeker. Others feel a fresh start is needed and that it should be demolished.
It could be regenerated without demolition to retain the community, but regenerating run-down flats is often more expensive than demolition and rebuilding.
Conflicts can occur due to:
- a lack of political engagement and representation
- ethnic tensions
- inequality
- a lack of economic opportunity
Conflicts caused by regeneration:
- Studentification:
- Affects larger urban places, like Leeds, Nottingham and Southampton.
- Concentrations of transient, exuberant youthful groups who may have little regard for surrounding long-term residents have forced some local authorities to try and restrict the number of houses of multiple occupation.
- Barton Farm/King's Barton Urban Fringe Regeneration
- In 2014, the initial preparations for a new 93 ha greenfield mixed development scheme began on Winchester's northern fringe. By 2025 there will be 2000 homes, 800 of which are designated 'social housing', a new academy primary school, a district shopping centre, light industrial units, a nursery, a district energy centre, nursing home, park and rise and increased public open space.
- The change of use from farmland to an effective suburb was contested for 15 years, especially by the pressure group 'Save Barton Farm'.
- Winchester City Council's decision not to approve the decision was overturned at appeal by the Secretary for State in 2012.
- Winchester was polarised during the debate. More affluent people tended to support the anti-development protests. Singletons and low-paid professionals, including teachers and nurses unable to afford inflated house prices, and those on council waiting lists, supported the project.
- The Northern Powerhouse
- A concept announced by Chancellor George Osbourne in 2014 to empower cities in the North of England to work together to become an economic force to rival that of London and the South East.
- This is likely to be hindered by distinct local identities built up over by decades of industrial growth and decline, demonstrated by rivalries of football clubs like Manchester and Liverpool, and their fans.
- The choice of Greater Manchester, the biggest centre in the region, as the main hub is contested by Liverpool's City Council.
- Another reason for the separate identities is the poor inter-regional transport.
- When HS2 is built it will link the powerhouse to London.
Lower Falinge is a sink estate in Rochdale housing about 1000 people, which was built in the 1970s. It has consistantly been ranked one of England's most deprived areas.
There are conflicting views over what to do with the estate - from a local council and one resident wanting to demolish it, to a resident calling it 'just outdated', to a 32-year-old asylum seeker calling it nice.
Despite its serious problems, it's 'home' to many people who are attached to it, even recent arrivals like the asylum seeker. Others feel a fresh start is needed and that it should be demolished.
It could be regenerated without demolition to retain the community, but regenerating run-down flats is often more expensive than demolition and rebuilding.