‘Kick out’ Boleyn developers, demand protestors
Boleyn Development 100 are calling for total social housing at the West Ham ground - Credit: Archant
Activists campaigning for total social housing at the Boleyn Ground development have demanded its developers be “kicked off” the project.
Action group Boleyn Development 100 handed in more than 250 letters of objection to Newham Council on Thursday, calling on council planners to oust developers Galliard Homes.
Among them was activist Melissa Horwood, from East Ham. She said: “We will not allow private developers Galliard to develop a luxury residential village on the site of West Ham Football Club’s stadium.
“In Newham over 24,000 people are on the council housing waiting list. Newham must kick out this development that does not offer any social rent.”
She was joined by Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) candidate for East Ham, Lois Austin, Liberal Democrat candidate for East Ham, David Thorpe, and Green Party candidate for East Ham, Tamsin Omond.
Ms Omond said: “It’s important we go through the democratic process and it’s quite a large response to the consultation to have all these letters of objection.
“But when those avenues fail that’s when you have to take direct action. Housing is a major issue and we’ve got to keep resisting this.”
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She added she was “shocked” that Labour candidate for East Ham, Stephen Timms, had “ignored” an invitation to support the campaign.
Stephen Timms told the Recorder he did not support the bid.
“I favour mixed housing development on the site with affordable homes alongside owner occupation and private renting,” he said.
“I have not seen any ideas for how to fund 100 per cent social housing on the site. Without them, the idea is a non-starter.”
Galliard Homes, whose plans were branded “ridiculous” and an “insult” by Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales, claims the 838 private homes were planned after extensive consultation with the community.
A spokesman for the firm said: “This is a site that inspires a great deal of passion and commitment.
“We will continue to work with the local community and Newham Council to get the right mix of housing, community benefits, investment and regeneration, whilst also delivering a legacy for West Ham United on this historic site.”
Newham Council spokeswoman said that Galliard’s planning application will be assessed against Newham’s Core Strategy and the London Plan.
She added that the decision would take account of all consultation responses and comments.
