1960s London housing estates saved as decade-long demolition battle nears end
Residents’ trust under strain
Sir Bob Kerslake, the former head of the civil service, led a review of the situation. He said residents’ feedback was “uniformly negative,” naming inconsistent policy, delays and poor communication as concerns. Kerslake said those problems had left trust in the council exceptionally low.
Distinctive designs in Lambeth
Cressingham Gardens, beside Brockwell Park, was designed to encourage neighbourly contact. Its homes have front doors facing one another, alongside green spaces intended for play. Rosemary Stjernstedt led the Central Hill project at a time when women were uncommon in social housing design. Built on sloping ground near Crystal Palace, its homes were designed to make the most of natural light.
Focus shifts to repairs
Pete Elliott, the cabinet member for housing, said the proposals would end years of uncertainty for the two communities. He said the focus would be on repairing homes, supporting communities and filling empty properties.
Key points
- Two Lambeth estates are expected to be spared demolition after more than a decade under threat.
- The reversal is expected at a council cabinet meeting next week.
- A review found residents cited delays, inconsistent policy and poor communication.
- The stated priorities are repairs, community support and filling empty homes.