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Residents of two landmark 1960s housing estates in south London may finally be able to remain in their homes after more than 12 years of uncertainty. The proposal will be considered by the council’s Cabinet on October 21, according to Lambeth Council and The Guardian. He said the council had fought for a better future for Central Hill and Cressingham Gardens for more than 12 years.
He added that the council had stood with residents in arguing that their future should not depend on demolition, reported Lambeth Council.
Councillor Pete Elliott, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said, according to the reports, that the proposals would end years of uncertainty and put the focus on repairing homes, supporting communities and filling empty properties. Councillor Scott Ainslie, Cabinet Member for Property, Planning and Development, Built Environment and Public Realm, said the estates are valued places with strong communities and distinctive architecture. He said it recognised the work involved in securing their future without demolition, while allowing investment to focus on residents’ homes and the reuse of empty properties. The council says it can build the homes Lambeth needs without erasing the best of what earlier generations created.
Lambeth Council has proposed removing Central Hill in Crystal Palace and Cressingham Gardens beside Brockwell Park from its demolition and redevelopment programme, choosing instead to retain, repair and improve the existing homes. Lambeth Council leader Councillor Martin Abrams described the proposal as a decisive moment for the two estates. Its new programme will pursue high-quality and sustainable council and social housing on suitable sites, using every viable delivery model.
The Cabinet will consider the proposals on October 21. Residents are due to receive a letter, and updates will be published on each estate’s website before the meeting.