(posted 7041 days ago)South London Press
Flats too many ...
Jan 7 2005
By Zara BishopA PETITION has been signed by 200 people against plans to replace almost 90 homes which had to be demolished after a gas explosion.
Residents of the Ethelred Estate in Kennington say proposals to replace the Kerrin Point tower block would see too many new homes on the site.
Ricky Rennalls, who has lived on the Ethelred Estate for five years, said: "People don't want this development for a number of reasons. They want to cram too much into the space. There is already the redevelopment of the former Gala Bingo Hall site."
Residents of 88 flats had to be rehoused after a gas explosion at Kerrin Point in June 1997.
The block was demolished in 1999 and temporarily replaced with a children's play area and outdoor sports facilities. Lambeth council now wants the site at the end of Hotspur Street to be sold off and used for at least 88 affordable and private homes.
The executive is expected to authorise a consultation on the plans at its meeting on Monday, with final approval expected to be given as early as April.
There is already permission to build 62 flats on the neighbouring former bingo hall site, on the corner of Kennington Road and Black Prince Road.
Does Ricky have a point? Write to South London Press, 2-4 Leigham Court Road, Streatham, SW16 2PD or email letters@slp.co.uk