The empty streets of Longshaw Drive in Little Hulton, Salford, resemble a ghost town. The housing estate, comprising 177 homes, was meant to be fully occupied months ago, but only about a dozen are lived in. The development was hailed as part of Salford council's largest social housing project in 50 years.
What Went Wrong?
Of the 177 homes, 93 are for social housing, 20 for shared ownership, and 42 for private sale. Most belong to Derive, Salford's arms-length housing company. The homes were due to be on the market last year, but delays have left the estate empty. A source told the Manchester Evening News the delays are due to missing electricity certificates and unfinished wiring.
Derive is under investigation for mismanagement, but the council insists the empty homes are not part of that probe. The delays may have cost the council up to £1 million in lost rents and sales, according to a source.
Impact on Families
Meanwhile, over 4,000 households are on Salford's social housing register. Katie, a mother of three, has been waiting for rehousing for nearly four years while stuck in temporary accommodation. She said: "It's quite disgusting that they have so many people waiting yet delays like this aren't being dealt with properly." She turned down a needed operation because recovery would conflict with a potential move.
Luke, a young father, described his family "living in fear" in a top-floor flat plagued by antisocial behaviour. He said: "Stuff like this makes me sick because it just feels like they don't really care."
Progress and Promises
A Derive spokesperson said: "We acknowledge that it has taken longer than anticipated to bring a number of properties to market. This is for a range of reasons including bespoke adaptations for residents and electrical safety tests." The firm is under new management and reports that 57 social homes have been let in the past six weeks. More homes are expected to become available in August once internal water works are completed.
