Sheltered housing faces demolition - a year after refurbishment

Westminster Council is carrying out a public consultation on demolishing Penn House and replacing it with houses, open space and shops.

One resident told the Chronicle: "I can't understand why the council would let us think our homes are secure by spending so much money doing them up, only to confirm that they could still be knocked down. It's such a waste of taxpayers' money.

"We appreciate the boost, but it gave us false hope. The council simply shouldn't have done it."

Karen Buck, MP for Westminster North, said: "There is a larger plan for the Church Street area which we all agree could do with a refurbishment - no one is doubting that.

"But this is a really strange way to go about things. There are sheltered housing complexes which have been waiting for years for that kind of work, but this hasn't been done because of this plan.

"Yet the council will spend £430,000 on doing up Penn House, and it may not even be here in two years' time. It just seems silly. People here are very, very worried."

Councillor Jonathan Glanz, head of housing and corporate property, said the work carried out was essential maintenance and that nothing would be decided until the consultation is completed.

He said: "Plans for the regeneration and improvement of the area are still being considered through consultation with residents.

"If approved, the wider plans will lead to a major upgrade of the standards, quality and sustainability of homes in the area.

"All residents affected by the scheme will be prioritised for return to upgraded homes and in the meantime we will provide them with alternative accommodation in the locality.

"Essential works have been carried out on the property in the interim to ensure that the building complies to the high standards required to cater for the older residents currently living there."