"A scheme to demolish the Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead and replace it with 1,950 new homes was approved by Bexley Council in 2022. Since the plan was approved to redevelop the 1960s estate, made famous for featuring in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, most of its residents have found accommodation elsewhere. Developer Peabody has said it is trying to keep the "strong community" of south Thamesmead together by offering residents financial support to buy new homes in the area."
"A handful of these are currently in negotiations with Peabody about moving, but several families are refusing to leave the estate that now feels like a ghost town, full of dilapidated and boarded-up homes. Those that remain are unwilling to uproot themselves from the estate they call home and from the properties they purchased years ago. Rose Asenguah has lived in her house for 18 years. "It's been home to me," she said. "I love it. I feel comfortable and happy here.""
The Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead faces demolition under a scheme approved in 2022 to replace the 1960s estate with 1,950 new homes. Most residents have relocated, but an estimated 80 to 100 households remain among nearly 600 properties. Developer Peabody offers financial support to help residents buy new homes locally and says it aims to keep the south Thamesmead community together. Remaining residents and campaigners call the developers "pure evil" and appealed to the former housing secretary to call in the planning decision, but government officials declined. Some families negotiate with Peabody, while others refuse to leave, citing long-term home ties and legal challenges.
Read at www.bbc.com
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