“MAYOR OF LONDON SHOULD BLOCK CENTRAL HILL ESTATE REGENERATION IF RESIDENTS DON’T SUPPORT IT” – SIAN BERRY
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 Crystal Palace following recent visits there.
In written answers provided to Sian Berry, Green party GLA borough-wide member, 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.
“Estate regeneration has become a byword for sweeping away council housing and residents in order to build luxury flats” says Sian.
“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.”
“CONSULTATION PROCESS HAS GONE FROM BAD TO WORSE”
“On the two occasions I’ve met residents at the Central Hill estate 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?”
She received the following answers from the Mayor:
Estate regeneration – resident support (1)
Question No: 2016/1589
Sian Berry: Will you immediately review the GLA’s funding for estate regeneration schemes in light of your manifesto commitment, requiring that ‘estate regeneration only takes place where there is resident support, based
on full and transparent consultation, and that demolition is only permitted where it does not result in a loss of social housing, or where all other options have been exhausted, with full rights to
return for displaced tenants and a fair deal for leaseholders’?
MAYOR’S REPLY:
“As someone who grew up on a council estate, I fully understand concerns about regeneration. I intend to develop a common set of principles with London’s boroughs and Housing Associations about regeneration for the future, in line with my manifesto commitments, so that we can help earn the trust of residents towards plans that come forward.”
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?
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?
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.
