Estate Demolition Halted by High Court Ruling
Judicial review to examine planning approval for Lesnes Estate redevelopment in Thamesmead.
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The demolition of the Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead has been halted by a High Court ruling. A judicial review will now examine whether Bexley Council was provided with all required information before approving Peabody Housing Association's proposal to demolish the estate and construct 2,800 new homes.
The legal challenge was brought by resident Adam Turk, who stated, "Justice is prevailing and for the first time, we are being heard." He added that the campaign had been ongoing for two-and-a-half years.
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The 1960s estate, which featured in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, saw most residents move out after redevelopment plans were approved in 2022. It is now largely dilapidated, with approximately 20 households remaining and campaigning against the demolition.
Lawyers representing Peabody and Bexley Council have stated that no planning regulations were breached. They also argued that any potential breach would not have altered the decision's outcome. However, the legal challenge cites insufficient data on greenhouse gas emissions within the planning application as a reason the decision may have been flawed.
Maria Ivanova, a resident, expressed optimism about the upcoming review. She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, "A home is not just property. It is where our memories live, where our families grow, and where our lives are built. I sincerely hope that fairness, justice and compassion will always have a place in our society."
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A spokesperson for Peabody Housing Association stated that the majority of local residents supported the redevelopment. The association is committed to supporting current residents, offering financial support to ensure Peabody tenants and homeowners can remain in the neighbourhood if they choose.
Bexley Council has been approached for further comment.
Questions this report answers
+Why has the demolition of Lesnes Estate been stopped?
The demolition has been halted because a High Court ruling has allowed a judicial review to examine whether Bexley Council received all the necessary information before approving the demolition. This means the legal process will now scrutinise the planning approval for Peabody’s redevelopment plans.
+How many new homes are planned for the Lesnes Estate site?
Peabody Housing Association plans to build 2,800 new homes on the Lesnes Estate site after demolition. This is part of the redevelopment proposal that has now been paused pending the judicial review.
+Who brought the legal challenge against the demolition?
The legal challenge was brought by resident Adam Turk, who has been campaigning against the demolition for over two years. He stated that the ruling means justice is prevailing and that residents are finally being heard.
+What concerns have been raised about the planning application?
The legal challenge cites insufficient data on greenhouse gas emissions within the planning application as a potential flaw in the decision-making process. Lawyers for Peabody and Bexley Council argue that any breach would not have changed the outcome.
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