A High Court judge has paused plans to demolish the Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead, made famous by Stanley Kubrick’s 1971 film A Clockwork Orange, after a resident successfully challenged the approval.
Mr Justice Choudhury ruled on Wednesday that a judicial review will take place into Bexley Council’s decision to approve Peabody Housing Association’s proposal to knock down the estate and build nearly 2,000 homes.
Residents Celebrate
Adam Turk, the Lesnes resident who brought the claim, said he was “elated and very relieved” at the ruling. “Justice is prevailing and for the first time, we are being heard. It’s been a long road this. It’s been two-and-a-half years. That’s how long we’ve waited to be able to come into court and challenge this planning application,” he said outside the Royal Courts of Justice.
Fellow resident Emmanuel Ladele said he was “very delighted”, while Maria Ivanonva, who has lived on the estate for nearly 20 years, said she felt “positive”. She said: “A home is not just property. It is where our memories live, where our families grow, and where our lives are built. I sincerely hope that fairness, justice and compassion will always have a place in our society.”
Legal Argument
Turk’s lawyer argued that the planning application contained insufficient information about greenhouse gas emissions, misleading councillors. Peabody and Bexley Council said no breach of planning regulations occurred, and even if there was, it would not have changed the outcome. The judge, however, said an argument existed over whether the emissions information could have swayed the decision, adding that Peabody and Bexley’s points “might leave him stumbling on the ropes, but they’re not quite the knockout blow.” The judicial review is expected in October or November.
Estate's Current State
Bexley Council approved the demolition in 2022. Most residents have since moved, offered market value plus 10% by Peabody. The estate is largely dilapidated, with squatters and police clashes. But a group of around 20 households—homeowners, social and private tenants—have refused to leave and are now celebrating the chance to challenge the demolition in court.
A Peabody spokesperson said the majority of residents backed the redevelopment, which will create 2,800 new homes in South Thamesmead, and that they are committed to supporting residents who wish to stay. Bexley Council has been approached for comment.
