Residents living on the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates have launched a People’s Plan as a practical alternative to controversial demolition proposals.
On Tuesday, 24 August, Green London Assembly Member, Sian Berry, visited residents to learn more about the People’s Plan and view a model prepared by Architects for Social Housing (ASH).
Ms Berry said:
“The People’s Plan clearly demonstrates that residents, with support, are capable of creating good regeneration alternatives to demolition.
“The plan not only proposes 250 additional homes – but they improve existing estates without destroying perfectly good family homes.
“It is important that demolition is not the only option when regenerating an area – residents and communities should not have to be needlessly displaced when there are other options.
“By creating the Homes for Londoners unit in City Hall, the Mayor has a real chance of supporting residents’ estate regeneration plans.
“Sadiq should ensure that there will be staff that can support residents when they want to develop other alternatives.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, pledged in his manifesto that he would ensure that estate regeneration “only takes place where there is resident support”.
The chairs of the two tenants’ and residents’ associations, Sally Taylor and Diana Belshaw – and Keith Drew, the chair of West Ken Gibbs Green Community Homes, which is seeking to win resident control over the estate – added:
“As the residents, we think it should be for us to choose what sort of future we have for our community.
“The People’s Plan is far better than the scheme the developer wants to impose on us – it shows that the vision we have been campaigning for since 2009 can be achieved.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise on a wide range of housing matters, including advising on social housing, private rented accommodation, and planning applications and appeals.
Our housing team can also advise on contentious planning applications and retrospective appeals – as well as Judicial Review of a local authority decision.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and in most major cities – with more than 20 offices across London and the southeast.
For expert legal advice on all property and housing matters, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.