High Court orders judicial review of Bexley Council's Lesnes Estate demolition plan

On 29 July, Mr Justice Choudhury of the High Court announced that a judicial review will be conducted into Bexley Council’s consent for Peabody Housing Association to demolish the Lesnes Estate in Thamesmead. The ruling follows a legal claim lodged by a group of residents who argue that the council’s planning decision lacked sufficient information on greenhouse‑gas emissions. The case will be heard in the autumn, with the judge indicating that October or November are the likely windows for the hearing.

Background to the redevelopment proposal

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The Lesnes Estate, constructed in the 1960s, is recognised for its brutalist architecture, which appeared in the 1971 film A Clockwork Orange. In 2022, Bexley Council approved a scheme to replace the estate with 1,950 new homes. Peabody, the developer, offered owners the market price of their properties together with an additional 10 per cent as compensation. Since the approval, many occupants have left, and the site has become largely vacant, with some sections occupied by squatters.

Legal arguments presented

Counsel for the residents argued that the planning application did not disclose full emissions data, meaning council members may have been misled when they voted in favour of the project. As reported by MyLondon, the lawyer for the claimants said the omission could have altered the outcome of the council’s decision. Peabody’s legal team, quoted in the same report, maintained that no planning regulations were breached and that any breach would not have changed the final result.

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“Justice is prevailing and for the first time, we are being heard.”

Adam Turk, Lesnes resident

Community reaction

Resident Adam Turk expressed relief at the judge’s decision, saying the ruling gave the community a chance to be heard after two and a half years of waiting. Fellow resident Emmanuel Ladele described the outcome as “very delightful”. Long‑time occupant Maria Ivanova highlighted the personal value of the estate, noting that a home holds memories and family history. Their comments were recorded in the MyLondon article covering the court appearance.

Peabody’s response

A spokesperson for Peabody said the company is investing in South Thamesmead and that most local people support the redevelopment. The statement added that Peabody intends to keep current tenants and owners in the area through a “strong package of financial support”. The spokesperson’s remarks were quoted in the MyLondon source.

Next steps

The High Court will set a precise date for the judicial review later this year. Should the review find procedural faults, Bexley Council may have to reconsider the demolition consent, potentially delaying the construction of the new homes. Bexley Council has not yet issued a comment on the ruling, and Peabody has indicated it will continue to engage with affected residents while the legal process proceeds.