Lesnes Estate Demolition Faces Judicial Review
A High Court judge has granted a judicial review into Bexley Council's approval of demolition plans for the Lesnes Estate.
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A High Court judge ruled on July 29 that a judicial review will examine Bexley Council’s approval for the demolition of the Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead. The decision means the planned demolition of the 1960s estate will be paused while the court scrutinises the council's decision.
Adam Turk, a resident of the Lesnes Estate, brought the legal claim against Bexley Council and Peabody Housing Association. Mr Turk stated he was “elated and very relieved” that the judge ruled in his favour. He said, “Justice is prevailing and for the first time, we are being heard.” Mr Turk added that it had been a two-and-a-half-year wait to challenge the planning application in court.
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Legal Arguments
Lawyers representing Mr Turk argued that Bexley councillors were misled when approving the demolition because insufficient information about the proposal’s greenhouse gas emissions was provided. The legal team for Peabody and Bexley Council contended that no planning regulations were breached. They also argued that any potential breach would not have materially altered the outcome.
Mr Justice Choudhury found that there was an argument to be made regarding whether the full emissions information could have influenced the decision. He stated that the judicial review is expected to take place in October or November 2026.
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Peabody's Position
A spokesperson for Peabody Housing Association said the organisation is investing in communities around South Thamesmead, supporting people and providing new homes. They stated that the majority of local residents backed the redevelopment proposal for the Lesnes Estate. Peabody plans to create 2,800 new homes in the area and is committed to supporting current residents to remain in the neighbourhood through financial assistance.
The Lesnes Estate, built in the 1960s, is now largely abandoned. Plans to replace it with 1,950 new homes were approved by Bexley Council in 2022. Most residents have since moved, with Peabody offering compensation. A group of approximately 20 households remains, campaigning against the demolition.
Questions this report answers
+Why did the judge allow a judicial review of the demolition plans?
The judge ruled that there was an argument to be made about whether full greenhouse gas emissions information could have influenced Bexley Council’s decision to approve the demolition. This means the court will now examine whether the council was misled during its approval process.
+Who is challenging the demolition of the Lesnes Estate and why?
Resident Adam Turk initiated the legal challenge, arguing that councillors were misled by insufficient information about greenhouse gas emissions when approving the demolition. He stated this was a two-and-a-half-year wait to have his concerns heard in court.
+What will happen to the Lesnes Estate while the judicial review takes place?
The planned demolition of the Lesnes Estate has been paused while the High Court scrutinises the council’s approval. This means no demolition work can proceed until the judicial review is completed, expected in October or November 2026.
+What does Peabody Housing Association say about the demolition plans?
Peabody states that the majority of local residents supported the redevelopment proposal and is investing in new homes, with plans to create 2,800 homes in South Thamesmead. They also claim current residents will be supported to stay through financial assistance.
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