Sian Berry has called on the Mayor of London to swiftly introduce new planning policies enabling him to block estate regeneration if a majority of residents oppose the plans in places like the Central Hill Estate in Lambeth, which Berry visited last week.
In written answers provided to Berry, the Mayor has said he will reflect in the London Plan his manifesto commitment to ensure resident support, full and transparent consultation and no net loss of social housing when estates are redeveloped to include more homes.
Sian says:
Estate regeneration has become a byword for sweeping away council housing and residents in order to build luxury flats. But it could also be done well, refurbishing old homes and building new ones without widespread demolition and with the full involvement and support of existing residents.
I’m pleased that the Mayor will be introducing planning policies on these issues, but I hope he doesn’t drag his feet. In the two times I’ve met residents at the Central Hill Estate in Lambeth the consultation process has gone from bad to worse with options put forward by residents barely explored by the council. This estate will be a key test of his resolve: will he fundamentally change the council’s approach?
Notes to editors
Sian is available for interview.
She received the following answers from the Mayor:
Estate regeneration - resident support (2)
Question No: 2016/1590
Sian Berry
Will you reflect your manifesto commitment on estate regeneration in your new London Plan?
Written response from the Mayor
Yes. I will reflect my manifesto commitment on estate regeneration in changes made to the London Plan.
Central Hill Estate
Question No: 2016/1591
Sian Berry
While plans for the Central Hill estate are not directly funded by the GLA, will you lobby Lambeth Council to ensure it runs a full and transparent consultation on how to refurbish and increase the numbers of homes on this estate, including options put forward by resident groups, and to ensure that no option is pursued for the estate without majority resident support?
Written response from the Mayor
I will ensure my officers work closely with Lambeth Council to ensure that Central Hill benefits from any plans for redevelopment and is taken forward with full and transparent engagement with residents.