Court to rule on Earls Court challenge
A council tenant is set to learn whether his long-running legal challenge to the demolition of two London estates will be heard by a judge.
Hammersmith & Fulham tenant Harold Greatwood is fighting the decision to tear down the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates as part of the council’s £8 billion Earls Court regeneration scheme.
In January, a judge refused Mr Greatwood permission for a judicial review of the deal between Hammersmith & Fulham and developer Capital & Counties. But, backed by local tenants’ and residents’ associations on the estates, he asked the court to reconsider.
Along with other residents, Mr Greatwood claims the decision to sign the deal that will result in the demolition of the estates was unlawful.
‘Arguably, the council’s decision to sell the estates was unlawful because the scheme was not ready, the wrong people were consulted, and support for demolition from some residents was induced by the offer of preferential treatment,’ said Mr Greatwood.
He claims that the council’s consultation on the controversial development included too many people who lived far away from the estates affected.
He added: ‘I’m fighting alongside my neighbours to save our homes from being redeveloped.’
Hammersmith & Fulham has previously said that the deal will result in £1 billion of community benefit.
Last week communities secretary Eric Pickles approved the sale of the estates, removing one of the final barriers preventing the regeneration scheme from going ahead.
