Housing campaigners are celebrating a victory against Lambeth Council after a High Court judge today quashed its ‘unlawful’ decision to demolish up to 300 homes on the Cressingham Gardens estate.
Mrs Justice Elisabeth Laing DBE found that the council was wrong to remove three out of five alternative proposals, originally put forward for redeveloping Cressingham Gardens, without seeking residents’ views.
The judgment handed down today, following a two-day High Court hearing earlier this month, was brought by law firm Leigh Day on behalf of Eva Bokrosova, who has lived on the estate since 2009.
Outside court mum-of-one Ms Bokrosova said: “The council has put me and my neighbours on Cressingham Gardens through absolute agony for three full years since the regeneration was first mentioned.
“The quashing of the decision is a vindication of what we have been saying.
“All we ever wanted was a fair consultation on refurbishment and so I am thrilled that repairs are now back on the table.”
Cabinet Member for Housing Councillor Matthew Bennett said: “We are disappointed at this judgement, but we will fully comply with the judge’s decision.
“We will take a report on the proposals back to Cabinet as soon as possible, and residents will have their chance to comment on all the options during that process.
“However, we have said previously that full refurbishment of the estate or a significant proportion of the estate is currently unaffordable within the constraints of the Housing Revenue Account.
“After detailed work with residents and experts the council concluded in February 2015 that refurbishment was unaffordable and that to continue to consult on something that could not be delivered would be misleading to residents.”
The council has already drawn up proposals to address the issues highlighted by Mrs Justice Laing, and give residents and other interested parties the opportunity to express their views on the options for improving Cressingham Gardens.
Following the judgement a new report will be taken to Cabinet covering all five of the options put forward.
The council will also be holding more meetings with residents in order to discuss the best way of securing lasting improvements for Cressingham Gardens.
Further details of the proposed redevelopment of Cressingham Gardens is available at http://estateregeneration.lambeth.gov.uk/cressingham
Picture courtesy of G.Davies, with thanks
