As the debate over housing market renewal in the north of England heats up, opinion is divided on whether large scale demolition and rebuilding holds the key. No definitive figure is available for the number of houses to be demolished, and the ODPM claims that only 10,000 homes have been earmarked across the nine pathfinder areas up to March 2006, with 24,000 set for refurbishment and 3,000 new build. In a 15-year programme these figures will increase, but by how much is open to debate. Residents groups claim the number is closer to 400,000. <p></p><p>Opposition to further demolition is likely to intensify through such groups as Housing Under Threat, an alliance of resident’s organisations from Liverpool, Lancashire, Hull, Oldham and Manchester, which could force the ODPM into a rethink. There have already been some victories to offer encouragement to renovation supporters. For example in Nelson, Lancashire, 146 Victorian terrace houses were saved from demolition following a campaign by local people and conservation groups. Deputy prime minister John Prescott no doubt hopes that a series of small victories won’t demolish his big plans. </p>