Nicer Neighbourhoods

Nicer Neighbourhoods - Estate Improvement Scheme

Nicer Neighbourhoods is an initiative to improve the look, feel and living experience of estates in the borough. Council tenants or leaseholders can put forward ideas for making long-term communal improvements to our neighbourhoods.

Approved proposals are delivered by the council using a dedicated fund, with no cost implications for residents.

The funding available is strictly for proposals that meet the following criteria:

  • must be “improvement works” not repair works
  • there should not be a significant maintenance legacy
  • must be capital expenditure (provides benefits over a long period of time)
  • must not conflict with planned works in the next 24 months
  • must not benefit individual tenants
  • needs to be evidence of community support, for example a vote by the Resident Association
  • the proposal must be non-political, non-religious, not already started

Examples of estate improvement schemes that meet the criteria are listed below for guidance:

  • crime prevention initiative (excluding CCTV and door entry systems)
  • communal lighting
  • pathways across grass areas
  • flooring replacement
  • play area/ball court/MUGA (multi use games area)
  • secure storage
  • bike stores and racks
  • fencing/railings
  • community garden/allotment
  • landscaping
  • seating
  • bin enclosures
  • pigeon deterrents

You can only benefit from improvements if you apply for them, so if you’ve got something in mind, don’t miss out.

Applications must be made on behalf of a group of residents in the community. Evidence must be provided in the form of meeting minutes, or a petition, or other proof of engagement and consultation.

We will not accept applications from individuals as we want as many residents as possible to rightly have their say about any potential improvements on the estate.

Process

The scheme is open all year round. Submitted applications take between four to 12 weeks for review. 

You will receive an acknowledgement within 10 working days confirming receipt of the application and will be contacted if further information or action is required.

An application will firstly be reviewed by specialist teams who will visit the site to check the proposals’ viability and cost.

The application will then go to a panel for review against the scheme criteria and available funding. 

The project manager will provide the application outcome (approved or declined) following the panel’s decision.

The council will proceed with implementing approved proposals as soon as possible. Timescales vary according to the nature of the project. Exact timelines will be communicated to residents when known.

Application

Review and use the documentation below to participate in the Nicer Neighbourhoods Scheme.

  • Application routes – step by step guidance on how a community group or resident association can communicate and gather support for an idea.
  • There are two templates to assist with resident engagement if required:
  • Complete the application form to submit the idea

Submit your idea

For questions or support please contact the resident involvement team on residentinvolvement@ealing.gov.uk or drop in to your local housing hub.