Residents of Bells Garden are voicing concerns over the potential resumption of in-fill developments in the Bells Gardens and Lindley estates, in collaboration with private developers. The Bells Garden TRA (Tenants and Residents Association) brought these concerns to the forefront during a deputation at the Southwark Council Assembly meeting on Wednesday, 9 July 2025, held at the Council Offices, as outlined in the agenda.
The TRA highlighted several key areas of concern:
- Loss of Community Centre: The TRA stated that the temporary community centre may be imminently lost, breaking a firm promise from the council that the amenity would be maintained throughout development.
- Lack of Consultation: The TRA stated that the new development is being pursued with no briefing to councillors and no consultation of residents.
- Changes to Development Plan: The TRA stated that there may be potential changes to the development plan that remove hard-won benefits provision for local residents, especially those in housing distress.
The specific benefits at risk and the details of the original promise regarding the community centre were not elaborated upon in the meeting's initial report.
Following the deputation, the Bells Garden TRA representatives directed a question to the leader of the council, Councillor Sarah King, who then asked Councillor Cleo Soanes, ward councillor for the area, to respond.
