This new housing, to replace the poor condition terraced housing was to effectively deal with the problems of urban inner city poverty by providing for the residents' needs. These were considered to be the modern facilities of heating, hot water, bathrooms and bedrooms. Communal open space would provide people with a healthier living environment.

The building of the new homes in the 1960s and early 1970s was very rapid. Families were moved in large numbers to new locations with very little choice regarding housing type or who their neighbours were. The net result was that local communities who had been together for many years were dispersed causing high levels of dissatisfaction and alienation. The community spirit which had been present for years was lost almost over night.

The lack of consideration given to social issues was also mirrored in the design and quality of the housing built. High rise flats required lifts and these were frequently inoperative due to poor maintenance and vandalism.