MAYOR DODGES THE BALLOT ON ESTATE DEMOLITION VOTE “Councils will continue to get away with sham consultation” says Sian Berry

July 07, 2016

Went to Central Hill Estate. Must have gone to wrong place as nobody in their right minds would demolish this – Michael J Keane, Twitter, June 9th

MAYOR DODGES THE BALLOT ON ESTATE DEMOLITION VOTE “Councils will continue to get away with sham consultation” says Sian Berry

The Mayor of London has been accused of falling short of his manifesto promise to estate residents of Central Hill estate, Upper Norwood in an answer given to GLA member Sian Berry.

Sadiq Khan pledged in his manifesto to ensure that estate regeneration ‘only takes place where there is resident support – but when pressed twice by London-wide member Sian Berry to ensure regeneration doesn’t proceed on the Central Hill estate without a ballot of residents he only committed to his officers working closely with Lambeth council on the resident engagement process, says a statement issued on her behalf.

“Regeneration can be very stressful” said Sian. “It’s horrible not having any control over the future of your homes and your community.

“The Mayor needs to make a clear commitment that he will use his power and influence to ensure residents always get a ballot on any regeneration plans.

“If they are unhappy then the council should go back to the drawing board.

“I have visited and talked with the residents in the Central Hill estate several times.

“They’re really unhappy with the council’s process so far, and feel they are being ignored.

“Without a binding democratic process I worry that councils will continue to get away with sham consultation processes, trampling over residents and making a mockery of the Mayor’s manifesto commitments.”

The Mayor of London’s press office have been asked for a reply.