Wandsworth Council's 81-Home Plan for Lennox Estate Green Space Sparks Resident Backlash
Residents on a South London estate have voiced strong opposition to plans by Wandsworth Council to construct 81 new council homes on their central green space, with many arguing the proposals "go too far" and threaten the community's quality of life. The scheme, targeting the Lennox Estate in Roehampton, involves two apartment blocks—one rising 14 storeys and the other six storeys—which locals fear will exacerbate existing issues of overcrowding, traffic congestion, and strained services.
Resident Concerns Over Height and Infrastructure
In 122 written objections, tenants and leaseholders expressed worries that the 14-storey block is excessively tall, potentially overshadowing neighbouring homes and adding to the estate's already crowded feel. They highlighted concerns about proposed traffic changes, including the closure of part of Arabella Drive to vehicles and rerouting along Ludovick Walk. While controlled parking would be introduced for current residents, many fear the estate's limited parking spaces will face increased pressure, worsening access problems.
Joy Ma, a 62-year-old resident, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the plans feel unfair, stating, "We bought the place. Say you've got a house in a village and suddenly someone wants to build a high-rise opposite to you, would you accept it?" She added that residents feel overlooked, noting, "They don't care, honestly. It's very selfish because we saved a lot of money, we bought the flat, we don't benefit from them… but now they want to build more and then we have to pay."
Green Space and Community Wellbeing at Risk
Despite council pledges to provide new and replacement open space with no net loss, residents are adamant about preserving the existing green area. One objector on the authority's website argued that this space cannot be "properly replaced by small or fragmented landscaped areas" and its loss would harm community wellbeing. They wrote, "While affordable housing is important, it should not come at the expense of protected open space, safe access, proper estate management or the living conditions of existing residents."
Francisco Montero, 78, questioned the council's priorities, suggesting they should develop spacious sites elsewhere or focus on long-term empty homes before targeting the estate. He remarked, "They only want you to support them. Are they going to support you? No way."
Existing Disrepair and Overcrowding Issues
Objectors also pointed to major disrepair on the estate, including problems with damp, mould, vermin, and lift breakdowns, arguing that the council should invest in current housing stock first. One resident called for the authority to "invest in the housing stock they already have and serve the existing tenants with the basic facilities that they deserve and should be able to expect."
However, not all residents oppose the scheme. M Khan, 44, supports it as a way to tackle overcrowding, saying, "I need a four-bedroom property, we live in a three-bed." The council plans to prioritise the new homes for estate residents who are overcrowded, looking to downsize, or those in priority need on the housing waiting list.
Council Response and Future Steps
The estate is part of Wandsworth Council's Homes for Wandsworth scheme, aiming to deliver 1,000 new council homes by 2029. Originally, one block was considered up to 18 storeys, but this was reduced to 14 storeys after resident feedback. The blocks would be arranged around a new games court, replacing the existing one.
A council spokesperson stated, "The plans for 81 new homes for council rent on the Lennox Estate will prioritise local residents... We will also deliver improved pedestrian access to Upper Richmond Road, tackle longstanding parking issues, and create a new pocket park with play areas." They emphasised that the council has listened to feedback, resulting in design changes, and will continue to engage with residents.
The Planning Committee will decide on the application in due course, with residents still able to comment via the council's planning portal.
