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Affordable Green Homes Planned For Dalston

Posted: 01/03/2006

A community group in north-east London has today taken the first steps towards securing Lottery cash in an ambitious bid to spearhead a £84 million project which is being pitted against council and Transport for London development plans. The "Breath of Fresh Air for Dalston" project has been developed by residents as an alternative to controversial plans proposed by Transport for London (TFL) and Hackney Council for the new Dalston Junction tube station, which have aroused widespread local opposition.

Led by local charity, the Bootstrap Company, the group has been given the green light to progress to the next stage of the Big Lottery Living Landmarks grant programme. If successful, the grant will enable the community plan to guarantee delivery of at least 320 affordable green homes through a shared equity scheme to Hackney residents.

The community plan includes a new urban park, guaranteed affordable green housing and workspace for local businesses, along with a significant amount of retail space.

It would also save the historic Dalston Theatre - currently under threat of demolition - and restore it as a theatre and black music venue.

Transport for London and Hackney Council are working to develop a new transport link for Dalston but campaigners said the plans also include proposals for an extra 600 new "unaffordable" homes in an already densely populated area.

If the grant application is successful the Breath of Fresh Air for Dalston team are hoping to raise the remaining £63 million with loans from banks, private financing and other minor grants.

A spokesperson for the team, Kate Swade, said: "We are very pleased that Dalston is going to get the transport link, but local groups are protesting at their plans for the development of the site because it would mean the building of around 600 new and unaffordable homes in an already densely populated area.

"The council and TFL are saying their plan is the only viable option but we are proposing an alternative option with affordable housing and office space which is what Dalston really needs".

For more information about the Breath of Fresh Air for Dalston proposals, or about the work of the Bootstrap Company, visit the charity's website at www.bootstrapcompany.org

Ben Pindar / Community Newswire  
 

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