This discussion is regarding the fact that properties valued at up to £300,000, mainly in the Felmores East area, have been included in the designated 'multiple deprived' area of 'Northlands Park'. Northlands Park is bounded by Burnt Mills Road to the North , Ashlyns to the South, Tyefields/Rushly to the East and East Mayne to the West

How did this come about?

When Basildon District Council and 'interested' parties in the 'wooden clad' properties area in Felmores West got together to apply for a grant from Tony Blair's fund for the most deprived areas in England and Wales, they found that the number of housing units precluded them from the fund. So, they surreptitiously extended the 'deprived area' to include all the high value, privately owned, properties in the boundaries as above.

The philosophy of 'Number 10' was that where there were only a small number of housing units affected by the multiple deprivation problems, then local government should fund the improvement exercise. This did not suit the interested parties, so the application for funds was 'sexed up'.

What is a multiple deprived area?

1. It has a high population of drug addicts.
2. It has a large number of single teenage mothers.
3. It has a youth crime problem.
4. There is a substance abuse problem.
5. It is a high crime area.
6. There is high unemployment.
7. There is a high truancy rate, with low educational standards.
8. There is a high marriage break-up percentage.
9. Alcohol abuse is a severe problem.

Does this reflect conditions in Felmores East?

The government web site declares that, " … there are only 20 areas in the country …" classed as such! And, that Northlands Park is a 'pathfinder' area, and needs a drug advisory team, substance abuse team, Sure Start scheme and arrest referral scheme. The WHOLE population of Northlands Park were judged to match that description!

Do you recognise Felmores East in that description?

What results from this?

The value of the properties in Felmores East are reduced by 15% to 25%. Also, when selling their property the seller must tell the buyer that it is a multiple deprived area, or be in breach of the law, and subsequently sued.

Owners who applied for a second mortgage would have the value of their home reduced to reflect the multiple deprivation blight.

Northlands Park got £1.5 million from 'Number 10' to spend on the 'wooden clad housing' area. Assuming that there are 1,500 houses in Felmores East with an average value of £150,000, and just a 15% devaluation, this gives a total value loss of £33.75 million for the consequent blight!

Were the residents of Felmores East consulted, and given all the ramification of becoming a multiple deprived area? The Northlands Park Neighbourhood Committee (about 25 members including co-opted members) has no representative from the high value houses in Felmores East.