New figures obtained from the GLA by Darren Johnson AM show that estate regeneration schemes in London are set to lead to the net loss of 1,389 affordable homes, and more dramatically the net loss of 7,326 social rented homes [1]. These are schemes with planning permission, but that have not yet started or been completed.
Separate figures published by the Mayor of London, requested by Darren, also reveal that estate regeneration in the Mayor’s Housing Zones will lead to a net increase in all types of homes that is 3,099 lower than the Mayor has claimed, due to demolitions of existing homes. The Mayor has not yet provided a breakdown for types of affordable homes.
Darren Johnson AM commented:
“Under the cover of tired stereotypes about sink estates, the Mayor is whittling away at homes that are genuinely affordable to Londoners. He then tries to deceive by talking about new homes being built, without mentioning all those he is knocking down. With a few exceptions, estate regeneration has been a complete disaster in London and has made our housing crisis worse.
“It’s time he called a stop to the demolitions and got behind community-led plans to renovate estates, with infill development where it makes sense and demolition where it’s absolutely necessary.”
Borough-level breakdown
The following table shows the net change in homes of different tenures, to be expected from estate regeneration in the coming years.
The 'net change' figures take account of new homes being built, and existing homes being demolished. For example, if 100 social rented homes were demolished and replaced with 10 new social rented homes, the net change would be -90.
Notes to editors
[1] Figures were obtained from the GLA’s London Development Database, and include schemes that involve the replacement of 15 or more units, of which at least 10 are affordable. This data is augmented by cases that supersede part of these schemes, as well as cases with the word 'Estate' in the scheme name to help pick up the detailed permissions that replace or supplement the units in the initial (outline) scheme.
[2] Figures published in response to questions from Darren: https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/hz_er_estate_regeneration_in_housing_zones.pdf