General FAQs
What is KHT doing to meet the needs of the increased population of Wornington Green?
KHT will make a financial contribution to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) to provide for the additional healthcare and education facilities. The level of contribution is based on a formula set by the council and is detailed in the Section 106 agreement.
Wornington Green has a diverse population. How are different cultural groups being considered in the future plans for Wornington Green?
KHT conducts regular and ongoing housing need surveys of all tenants. These include specification of any religious or cultural requirements of individuals and families living on Wornington Green. If, for example a family want to remain living as one unit including grown-up children, this will be accounted for in the family's housing need assessment.
We are also in regular converstion with the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre regarding any questions the Muslim community have regarding the regeneration.
Will the addtional height of buildings on Portobello Road affect neighbouring properties' exposure to daylight?
The plans for Wornington Green include reinstating a traditional street pattern to the estate, meaning that surrouding properties and streets will blend with new buildings. The plans for the new building heights have not been viewed as impacting on neighbouring properties exposure to daylight.
Will all private gardens in Phase 1 benefit from direct sunlight throughout the day?
All of the homes in Phase 1 will benefit from private outdoor space, through either a balcony or a private garden. The plans for Phase 1 have been tested extensively and found to comply with daylight and sunlight requirements.
Are the estimated prices for the sale of private homes achievable?
KHT sought independent valuation advice from Knight Frank as to the predicted sale prices of the new homes. Whilst the guide prices are estimates and will be subject to changes in the property market, we are confident that they are achievable.
The sale of homes will be used to subsidise the regeneration, but this is not the only source of funding. The plans are backed by a Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) grant and the resources of Catalyst Housing Group (KHT's parent company). Catalyst already have an oustanding record in regenerating communities, having won an award for 'Best Regeneration' in 2009 at the National Affordable Home Ownership Awards.
What have you done to consult?
We have actively endeavoured to reach out to as many people as possible during the past two years leading to planning determination. Now that we have achieved planning, this consultation will continue and we are constantly looking for more innovative ways to reach people.
Will the homes on the new Wornington Green be smaller than existing properties?
No - the new homes are being developed to at least the same size as the existing properties. The new homes will be built to Parker Morris Standards - this is the minimum standard for the size of rooms. For example, the total floor area of a two-bedroom flat should be at least 73 square metres. Properties on Wornington Green were originally built to Parker Morris Standards, so the new homes will be a similar size.
Will we lose access to the park while the construction work is being completed?
No - although part of the park will need to be built on to avoid tenants needing to be rehoused away from Wornington Green, at least 50% of Athlone Gardens will be kept for community use throughout the construction process. The final park will be at least the same size as the exisiting Athlone Gardens.
If I live in Phase 1, who do I speak to about where I will move to?
KHT has been talking with tenants regarding this move for a number of months, so if you live in a Phase 1 property then you should already have spoken with a member of our Housing Management Team. An update on the progress of these visits is provided on page two. Eve Wright, our Allocations Manager, will visit you in the next few weeks to discuss how we can meet your particular housing needs and the available spaces on Wornington Green and elsewhere in North Kensington.
If I move twice, will I receive further financial help?
Yes. If you have been living in your temporary accomodation for more than a year, when you need to move again - into your permanent home - you will receive a second home loss and disturbance payments.
Will I be able to keep my parking space?
The new traditional street pattern will mean Wornington Green will have more streets and therefore more on-street parking spaces. All tenants will be able to park on the new streets by using a Borough parking permit.
What will happen if you can't re-house my adult children before I move out?
We will discuss this with you to find the best solution. For example, if you are moving into a temporary property on Wornington Green, it may make sense for your adult children to move with you until separate housing can be offered.
Are there any plans to refurbish some of the properties in the later phases?
As the regeneration proposals cover up to 12 years, KHT will complete improvement works in some of the blocks to improve living conditions for residents until the new homes are ready. KHT's Decent Homes Programme will begin in April 2010.
When will things start to change?
We submitted a planning application to the Council in November 2009. As our plans have now been fully approved, construction work could start in autumn 2010. It is expected that the full regeneration will be completed by around 2020.
Where will works start?
We have produced a phasing strategy which outlines where the regeneration will start - please see the latest news page for more information on Phase 1.
Must I move from the area while new homes are being built?
No, we want to keep the community together. We will work with you to ensure that if you do have to move temporarily, it is to somewhere suitable either on Wornington Green or within the local neighbourhood, until your new home on Wornington Green is ready.
Will I be forced to live in a temporary property I do not want to live in?
We will only offer you a property that is suitable for you. If you feel that a property is not suitable, we will provide a second option. If you are unhappy with both options, you have the right to appeal. To find out how you can do this, please contact Yvonne Williams, Resident Liaison Officer, on 020 8964 6415.
If I have to move out temporarily how long will it be for?
We will ensure that the time you spend in a temporary home is as short as possible, but the time will depend on when your new home will be ready.
If you really enjoy living in your temporary home, it may be possible for you to stay there permanently. We will provide you with more details about this over the course of 2009.
What will my new home look like?
No detailed design has been started at this stage, but all homes in the new Wornington Green will be built to Lifetime Homes Standards, using quality materials.
If I live in a large flat but only need one bedroom, will I be forced to move into a one bedroom flat?
No. During our consultation process, many of you told us that you did not want to lose extra bedrooms. As a result, we have planned for residents with spare bedrooms to have the option of keeping an extra bedroom.
What will happen if my current home is too small?
Families in overcrowded homes will get homes that will meet their housing needs.
Will there be any new community buildings and facilities?
Yes. We will be working closely with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), residents and stakeholders to develop and improve community facilities in the local area.
How noisy will it be during the works?
Building works can be noisy. To minimise disruption and to meet health and safety requirements, we will ensure that works are safely separated from occupied homes.
Will Wornington Green be looked after until all the works are finished?
Yes. We are committed to keeping Wornington Green in the best possible condition before, throughout and after the regeneration has taken place.