A five-year stand-off over “asset stripping” regeneration plans for a London estate that tested the future for social housing in the capital is over.
Clarion has confirmed it won’t be pushing ahead with demolition on the William Sutton estate in Kensington and Chelsea.
Instead, new options for the estate will be out for consultation.
In a statement, Clarion said it will not be resubmitting the regeneration proposal rejected by the Secretary of State in December.
The statement said the coming consultation will offer “entirely new proposals” intended to keep the community in place and underpinned by commitments to prioritise new social homes where flats currently lie empty and invest in remaining blocks.
“Our overriding priority is to meet the needs of current residents living on the estate and to secure the future of social housing in Kensington and Chelsea.
“We are committed to delivering a sustainable future for the Sutton Estate and look forward to working with the community to realise our shared ambition,” said Clarion CEO Clare Miller.
GMB London welcomed Clarion’s climbdown, having previously accused the provider of attempting “asset stripping and social cleansing”.
Now, the union says it stands ready to fight for all residents on London estates facing demolition to be balloted on any plans, before they are allowed to continue.
“Clarion must not forget the primary reason of a housing association is to provide low cost housing to those on low incomes or those who need extra support,” said GMB Regional Secretary Warren Kenny.
“GMB has consistently supported residents fighting for their voices to be heard on proposals for demolition of their estates.
“We salute the residents of the Sutton Estate in their fight to retain social housing in Chelsea.
“We are supporters of Demolition Watch London in its campaign for all residents on estates facing demolition to be balloted on redevelopment plans with no loopholes or exceptions – this is the only way to stop asset stripping and the loss of social housing,” he said.
Six months ago, Secretary of State for Housing James Brokenshire, rejected Clarion’s proposals to demolish the flats due given the “significant loss” of social housing.
But this ruling did recognise redevelopment of the estate as the ‘only feasible option’ for its future.
These, too, were rejected.
At the time, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said the rejection of the plans marked “an important milestone” in our efforts to protect London’s estates from regeneration plans that don’t account for social housing need.
