Government unveils measures to end 'poor doors' and segregation in mixed-tenure developments

New measures to put a stop to the segregation of social housing residents in mixed-tenure developments were unveiled earlier this week by James Brokenshire in one of his last announcements as Communities Secretary.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government said the move aimed to stamp out so-called ‘poor doors’ – where entrances for social housing residents stigmatise and divide them from other residents in the development – and other forms of segregation, such as restrictions on access to playgrounds.

The MHCLG said planning guidance would be toughened up and a new Design Manual would promote best practice in inclusive design.

They form a part of the Government’s new Communities Framework, which is intended to provide a vision for building communities with a stronger sense of belonging and shared prosperity.

Brokenshire, who was sacked and replaced by Robert Jenrick in Boris Johnson’s first Cabinet, said: “I’ve been appalled by stories of segregation and tenants being denied access to certain shared facilities such as playgrounds.

“Social housing has transformed the lives of millions of people over the past 100 years. It has the power to continually shape lives for the better, but we need to see residents being treated with the respect they deserve.

“We want to end that real sense of stigma social housing residents have experienced, and today’s new measures show our commitment to stamping it out, before it can begin.”

In March, it was reported that social housing residents at the Baylis Old School site in Lambeth, south London, were prevented from accessing a communal playground which could only be used by their wealthier neighbours.