Verner Street

Asked for an update to some older emails from both WMDC and WDH replies as follows

WMDC :

The Girnhill redevelopment has a valid planning application but regrettably, the Council was forced to apply for a compulsory purchase order in February.  We are still awaiting a decision from the Secretary of State re the next stages.  The preferred developer for Girnhill, Strata Homes Ltd did some preliminary work with WDH to see if a redevelopment project for Verner Street was achievable.  Sadly, it appears that the current downturn and other factors means that this is not now being pursued and there are no plans to redevelop fully.  As previously stated, the Council does not own any properties on the Verner Estate and thus has not been party to the commercial discussions that WDH have held with Strata.   However, WDH are pressing ahead with plans to upgrade their properties to the Wakefield Standard (this is higher than the statutory requirements to meet the Decent Homes Standard) and this work will include the connection of the gas supply to the Estate.  In addition, some new development work will be undertaken to provide new homes on the site of the former Brentwood House.  I understand that WDH are having a consultation event very shortly to showcase the proposals. 

With reference to your questions about empty properties and re-let times on Verner Street, I would have to refer you to WDH, as the Council has no involvement in the management of their stock; however, WDH remain committed to the Estate and I believe that the planned improvements will bring significant benefits to all residents once they are completed. I hope this information is useful

WDH:

Following your enquiry below I can confirm that we are starting our Investment programme works for Verner Street in December / January 2012. 
 
In relation to the Brentwood House site, we are undertaking consultation activity with the community in the next couple of weeks as we are looking at developing some new build properties desperately needed to meet housing demand in the area. This scheme it is hoped will commence in June 2013.



So....I am still not sure why there are so many houses on Verner that are empty and not being advertised and will push for more info if I do get any further updates i'll post accordingly.

Simon