Plans to demolish the Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead, South East London, have been put on hold after a High Court judge ruled today (July 29) that a judicial review will scrutinise Bexley Council's decision to approve Peabody Housing Association's proposal. The estate, built in the 1960s and famously featured in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, was slated for demolition to make way for nearly 2,000 homes.
Resident celebrates legal victory
Adam Turk, the Lesnes resident who brought the claim against Bexley and Peabody, said he was “elated and very relieved” after Mr Justice Choudhury ruled in his favour. Speaking on the steps of the Royal Courts of Justice, Turk stated: “Justice is prevailing and for the first time, we are being heard. It’s been a long road this. It’s been two-and-a-half years. That's how long we’ve waited to be able to come into court and challenge this planning application.”
Fellow resident Emmanuel Ladele said he was “very delighted” as he had expected the judicial review request to be denied. Maria Ivanova, who has lived on the estate for almost 20 years, expressed feeling “positive” about the upcoming review. She added: “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.”
Legal arguments over emissions data
The lawyer representing Turk and the remaining residents argued that insufficient information about the proposal's greenhouse gas emissions was provided in the planning application, thus misleading Bexley councillors when they gave approval. The legal team for Peabody and Bexley Council countered that no breach of planning regulations had occurred, and even if there was a breach, it would have made no material difference to the outcome.
Mr Justice Choudhury ruled in favour of the residents, stating that an argument existed over whether the full emissions information could have swayed the decision. Referring to points made by Peabody and Bexley’s lawyers, the judge said: “They might leave him stumbling on the ropes, but they’re not quite the knockout blow.” The judicial review is expected to take place in October or November.
Background on the estate
Bexley Council approved plans to demolish the Lesnes Estate and replace it with 1,950 new homes in 2022. Since then, most residents have moved elsewhere, assisted by Peabody, which offered homeowners the market value of their home plus 10% as compensation. The estate is now largely dilapidated, with many properties taken over by squatters who regularly clash with police. However, a small group of around 20 households—a mixture of homeowners, social and private tenants—have been campaigning to stop the destruction.
A Peabody spokesperson said: “We’re investing in communities in and around South Thamesmead, supporting people, improving public areas and providing much-needed new homes. The majority of local residents backed our proposal to redevelop the Lesnes Estate, which will help us expand our work and create an even better place for local people to live. We're committed to supporting residents from the Lesnes Estate as we create 2,800 much-needed new homes in South Thamesmead. This includes ensuring that Peabody tenants and resident homeowners can stay in the neighbourhood if they wish to through our strong package of financial support.”
Bexley Council has been approached for comment.
