'Common sense prevails' as Haughton Green ‘Lego’ flats design rejected in £2million renovation

By Ian Silvera

A multi-coloured 'Lego' design is not being used to re-clad the three Haughton Green tower blocks following an outcry from resdients.

After several top-level meetings this week with Denton MP, Andrew Gwynne, and Councillor Claire Francis, who also represents the Denton South Ward on Tameside Council, Irwell Valley have now submitted amended plans to Tameside planners.

If approved, the three blocks of flats will undergo a £2million renovation to make them more energy efficient with new insulation and windows installed, as well as a new contemporary style to take them firmly out of the 1960s.

Andrew Gwynne MP said: “No-one was against the modernisation of the three blocks, which is frankly long overdue. All the residents deserve to live in modern, warm and comfortable homes; but a substantial number of local people contacted me about the garish ‘Lego’ designs, and especially the proposed bright colours.

He added: “The tower blocks are very prominent and I know many feared they would become even more so and not necessarily in a good way.”

Mr Gwynne gave credit to Irwell Valley and their designers. The team took the elements of the original scheme that the tenants wanted to see incorporated, and listened to the views and concerns of the wider community.

Councillor Claire Francis, who attended the three consultation events with the tenants of Southney, Castleton and Fitzgerald Courts, was very pleased with the decision.

He added: “When the revised plans were unveiled to them and the unanimous view was one of delight, and an anxiety to get the £2million modernisation completed. “

The original plans had been to paint Fitzgerald Court in Lego blocks coloured orange, white, black and grey; Southey Court in a similar palette, but with yellow instead of orange; and Southey Court in black, grey and white blocks.

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