Comedians Rally Against Gentrification in Peckham
Comedians Nish Kumar and James Acaster have joined the fight against what local residents are calling “gentrification on steroids.” This comes after a developer, Berkeley Homes, announced plans to demolish the historic Aylesham shopping centre and market in Peckham, south London, and replace it with 867 new homes. The proposal has sparked widespread outrage among locals who fear that the development will push out long-standing families and further increase property prices in the area.
The application for high-rise towers at the Aylesham site has been referred to the planning inspectorate, which is responsible for reviewing controversial developments. However, the plan only includes 77 affordable homes, which campaigners say is far below what is needed. Southwark Council has also expressed strong opposition to the project, stating that it fails to meet their target of 35% affordable housing in new developments.
Peckham, once considered a struggling area, has seen a dramatic transformation in recent years. Once known as the setting for the classic comedy Only Fools and Horses, the area has become increasingly desirable due to its proximity to central London and the City. As a result, property prices have skyrocketed, making it difficult for long-time residents to afford to stay.
The Aylesham Centre, built in the 1980s, is home to an indoor market and a variety of established shops. It is currently owned by Berkeley Homes, which wants to redevelop the site into a mixed-use area with flats. Critics argue that the developer is targeting investors rather than providing real, affordable housing for local residents.
To support the campaign against the development, comedians Nish Kumar and James Acaster have organized fundraising gigs, raising over £46,000. This money will be used to hire a barrister to represent the community during the planning inspectorate inquiry, which is set to begin on October 28. Businessman Lord Harris of Peckham has also contributed to the cause, and Southwark Council has officially opposed the development.
Nish Kumar criticized the developer’s approach, saying: “Developers like this are ripping the heart out of this city. Londoners need affordable housing, not another block of flats, bought by investors, that have no interest in our communities and are turning our neighbourhoods into ghost towns.”
Siobhan McCarthy, from Aylesham Community Action, described the plans as “gentrification on steroids.” She added: “These plans have no buy-in from the community and these flats will be snapped up by international investors and bring nothing to the community. The Aylesham is a meeting place for many people and there are shops and stalls with lower prices. We are not anti-development but this will rip the heart out of Peckham.”
Concerns Over Affordable Housing and Community Impact
Under the proposed development, only 12% of the homes will be social or affordable, well below the 35% target set by Southwark Council. Ann Lalic, a former director on Grand Designs and a long-time resident of Peckham, has been a vocal critic of the plans. She said: “Having worked on Grand Designs I know what bad building looks like. These flats will be poorly built and not to last at a cost to the community.”
Lalic also criticized the design of the proposed buildings, calling them “too tall,” “flimsy,” and “like wind tunnels.” She argued that the development would not benefit the local community and instead serve as a way for investors to “park their money.”
Traders in the Aylesham shopping centre are also worried about the impact of the development. One stall owner said: “We are fearful for the future. We have had customers coming to us for years and this centre is part of the community. We feel this is a fight for the heart and soul of Peckham. It’s posh flats replacing businesses who have added to the community. We feel we have been treated disgracefully. We need to feed our families.”
Local MP Miatta Fenbulleh has also spoken out against the plans, calling it “the human cost of the housing crisis.” She urged Berkeley Homes to listen to the community or face “unified opposition including from me.”
Berkeley Homes responded by saying that the development was designed by award-winning architects and aligned with the council’s development brief. However, they admitted that rising costs and worsening market conditions forced them to reduce the number of affordable homes in the proposal.
Southwark Council has strongly opposed the development, with Helen Dennis, the council’s cabinet member for housing, stating that the proposal “does not justify the development and impact on the heritage of the Rye Lane Peckham Conservation Area.” She emphasized the council’s commitment to creating a borough that is “for everyone, not just the privileged.”
With over 20,000 households on the housing waiting list and 4,000 in temporary accommodation, the council has made affordable housing a top priority. They are preparing to defend their position robustly during the planning inquiry.
As the battle over the Aylesham site continues, the community remains determined to protect their neighborhood from what they see as a threat to its identity and future.
