High Court to review Lesnes Estate demolition decision

A legal challenge against the demolition of the Lesnes Estate in South Thamesmead will be heard in the High Court. On July 29, a judge granted a judicial review into Bexley Council's decision to approve a redevelopment plan for the estate.

The plan, proposed by housing association Peabody and approved by the council in 2022, involves replacing the existing 596 homes on the Lesnes Estate with 1,950 new homes. An additional 850 homes are planned for construction elsewhere in South Thamesmead.

Estate's decline and resident concerns

The Lesnes Estate, originally built in the 1960s, has seen a significant decline in occupancy since the redevelopment approval. Currently, only 63 residents remain, representing about 10 percent of the estate's former population. This low occupancy has led to issues including squatting, graffiti, and litter, according to reports.

Adam Turk, a resident of 17 years and a leading campaigner against the demolition, expressed hope following the High Court's decision. He stated, "justice is prevailing and for the first time, we are being heard." Mr. Turk is awaiting a date for the full court hearing.

Other long-term residents also voice concerns. Maria Ivanova, who has lived on the estate for nearly 20 years, finds the compensation offers from Peabody unfair. She reported receiving higher offers on the open market before potential buyers withdrew upon learning of the demolition plans. Peabody has stated it offers a "strong package of financial support" and can contribute up to half of the equity gap for homeowners wishing to purchase new Peabody homes.

Safety and living conditions

The reduced number of residents and increased squatting have led to a perceived decline in safety. Ms. Ivanova described feeling threatened by unpredictable squatter behaviour and incidents involving young men on motorbikes. She also reported witnessing gang fights and an attempted murder near her home, which required emergency service attendance. Ms. Ivanova believes the estate has been neglected, citing issues such as non-working streetlights, to encourage residents to leave.

Peabody acknowledged that some streetlights are not currently working and stated they are working to fix them. A spokesperson for Peabody confirmed that resident homeowners have options to buy existing homes on a neighbouring estate, new homes within the development, or other properties in Thamesmead or elsewhere.

While Ms. Ivanova is not optimistic about the judicial review, Mr. Turk remains hopeful. The court will now consider the grounds for the judicial review, with a date for the full hearing yet to be set.