Over a long consultation process, residents on the Bemerton Estate have been weighing up the pros and cons of what a redevelopment of their estate could offer.

Over 250 responses to the recent formal consultation have been received and the council has considered the feedback carefully.

While there was considerable support for some sort of redevelopment among those who responded, there was no clear consensus about what form that should take. It is because of this, and also the current financial climate, that the council has taken the difficult decision not to proceed with such extensive redevelopment.

Instead we are proposing to take forward the option that would see improvements to public spaces on the estate.

This will help to address issues raised in the consultation feedback, including anti-social behaviour.

It will also include the redevelopment of the Lyon Street area housing office building for affordable housing, once the current office moves to Highbury Corner in August.

The council has had an open meeting with the Bemerton Village management organisation board to convey this decision.

We are also writing to all residents and non-resident leaseholders directly to let them know.

We would like to thank the residents for the time and effort and time they have given to tell us their views.

These comments will be used to inform future thinking on wider plans for regeneration in Islington. The council remains committed to maintaining and improving the residents’ homes and estate. – Councillor Paul Convery, executive member for regeneration and planning, Islington Council, Town Hall, Upper Street, N1.