However, Goscote was in serious decline by the 1980s with high crime rates, unemployment and the deteriorating condition of the housing.

Demand for housing in the area became low, leading to an increase in the number of empty properties.

These also included a large section of 1930s council housing around Harden and Blakenall Heath, although eventually some of the properties at risk of demolition were later retained.

By this stage, several houses on the estate had already been demolished due to attacks by vandals and arsonists while they were empty.

Plans for 808 new homes on the estate were announced at the end of that year, with construction work to begin in 2018.