Regeneration boss leaves after four months

The regeneration of Ladywood is expected to cost £2.2bn

The project director of a major regeneration scheme in Birmingham has left the authority after just four months in the job.

The £2.2 billion Ladywood Regeneration project is set to see 7,000 new properties replacing 2,000 existing homes.

Last July, some residents couldn't get into a public meeting where the potential demolition of their homes was discussed - because the venue was too small.

Earlier this month, project director David Stevenson failed to turn up to a meeting with residents, but Birmingham City Council said it remained committed to the scheme and has appointed a new project director.

“While the council cannot comment on the specific circumstances in which this appointment has been made, the decision to appoint a new director was made prior to the meeting with Ladywood Unite," a spokesperson said.

“The Ladywood Regeneration scheme will continue as normal, and we look forward to working closely with the community of Ladywood as the regeneration progresses."

Residents say both the council and the developers of the scheme have done little to win their trust.

The council previously told the BBC it would negotiate with homeowners to buy properties and homeowners would be entitled to a compensation package.

Ladywood Unite - a group of residents set up to challenge the redevelopment plans - said they had been struggling to get answers about it.

'Fight and stay'

Estate resident Anne-Marie Lodge, 52, previously told the BBC: "With regards to moving, I was pretty reluctant.

"I would like to try and fight and stay within the community.

"I have been here 13 years. I would like to try and stay and just live out my final years here instead of moving and starting over fresh again."

Another resident told BBC Radio WM that elderly residents were "terrified" about what was going on.

"I honestly believe it's going to cause deaths," he said.

"My family grew up in Ladywood," said another resident, speaking on WM earlier.

"Now that my home is being put in jeopardy, I'm really shocked because to replace my home like for like in the city centre will cost significantly more."

Another resident said they were very concerned about being unable to afford to stay in the area.

"I've been offered that maybe I would get to share my home with Berkeley Group, and I have no interest in sharing my home with a luxury developer. I own it," they explained.

The council said its compensation package would include a home-loss payment as well as a disturbance payment, which could cover removal costs, special adaptations plus reasonable legal and surveyors' fees.