Tenants in Rochdale’s College Bank and Lower Falinge have produced a costed, community-led plan to halt the mass demolition of social housing, proposing refurbishment rather than clearance.
The College Bank Support Group, working with architects Unit 38 over nearly two years, wants to improve insulation, heating, glazing, kitchens and bathrooms—continuing to maintain homes rather than replace them.
Lower Falinge tenant and GMTU member, David Crabtree spoke out about RBH in a recent news article:
“RBH’s proposed demolition would remove 128 one, and three-bedroom homes that could be refurbished to help cut the borough’s 22,000-person waiting list. It would disrupt remaining tenants with months of noise, pollution and loss of green space, all while no clear redevelopment plans exist.”
“The environmental damage will be huge. Much-loved trees, apple blossom rows, spring bulbs, and wildflower areas will be lost, despite RBH’s past promises to protect them. They made similar pledges before demolishing Exbury and neighbouring blocks, yet all the trees were destroyed.”
“My son, who is autistic, partially sighted and hearing impaired, will suffer if demolition goes ahead. We’ve had no personalised consultation. I was already forced to resettle once. Now, after a year of building works and broken commitments about gardens, hubs, and consultations, we face the same story again.”
“RBH repeatedly lies to residents. They assured us last year there were no more demolition plans while undeveloped land remained. That was untrue. They promised all options would be on the table for remaining blocks. That never happened. They said green spaces would be reinstated. They weren’t.”
“Since its inception in 2012, RBH has systematically failed its tenants. It has broken tenancy agreements, neglected homes, mismanaged funds and misled residents. From failed consultations to ignored legal challenges, they’ve bulldozed trust along with buildings.”
“We’ve engaged in good faith, but suggestions have been ignored. RBH accepts feedback only as a formality, not as something to act upon. They push ahead with pre-determined plans while pretending to listen. The reality on the ground tells a very different story.” I was forced to relocate once already, now, without any proper consultation, we’re facing the same uncertainty again.”
The Community Plan is publicly available and calls for more accountable, community-centred development, arguing the refurbishment option is viable, affordable, and more socially just.
