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HeadlineAylesbury estate residents protest against demolition of their homes

Short HeadlineSouthwark residents protest demolition of Aylesbury Estate

StandfirstResidents claim that the Aylesbury Estate redevelopment will offer far fewer social homes

Aylesbury Estate residents gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice this morning to challenge the demolition of their homes by Southwark Council.

Protestors came together outside the Royal Courts of Justice today at 9am to oppose Southwark council plans to replace their homes with mainly private redevelopments. Aysen Dennis, who has lived on the estate for 30 years, issued a legal challenge which is being debated at the courts. This challenge argues that the council has unlawfully allowed plans to be altered to reduce the number of new social housing.

Residents expressed their heartbreak at leaving their homes and their fear they will never see them the same again. Previously, a history tour played out Aylesbury Estate residents’ memories last month.

Protesters wanted to remain living inside their homes during renovations. Instead, they will have to move out of their dwellings.

Aylesbury Estate was originally built between 1963 and 1977. The estate houses approximately 7,500 residents.

The Aylesbury redevelopment

The council’s plans will double the occupancy of the estate. Furthermore, 2,300 dwellings will remain as social housing and the rest will be put up for sale. Thus, this means a loss of more than 800 council flats. 

In response to complaints, Southwark Council stated that the charity Creation Trust is ensuring that everyone who lives on the estate benefits from the regeneration.