The new Labour government faces a crucial test in a fortnight (Image: Express / Parliament)
The new self-proclaimed ‘YIMBY’ Labour Government is two weeks away from a crucial test that could undermine their claimed desire to spur economic growth and solve the housing crisis.
While Sir Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner have been boasting their pro-building credentials since coming to power a week ago, just 10 miles from Downing Street a Labour Council is on the verge of pulling down flats built just two years ago and making new residents homeless.
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A Greenwich council-led inquiry, set for July 25, has gained new prominence after Keir Starmer appointed local MP Matthew Pennycook as his new housing minister, despite the MP’s previous support for enforcement action against the developer.
Hundreds of local residents could now be on the brink of homelessness should Greenwich Council secure the demolition of the ￡73 million Mast Quay development.
It comes days after it was revealed that half the cabinet of this new pro-house building government have objected to property developments in their own constituencies.
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Keir Starmer's new housing minister backs the council's move against the housing block (Image: Getty)
The row between Greenwich council and developers began last year after the local authority accused the builders of breaching planning permission granted in 2012.
The two tower blocks were meant to have glass cladding, but were instead constructed with metal and grey cladding. Greenwich also pointed to the lack of roof gardens and children’s play areas, as well as the footprint of the towers being larger than promised and accessible apartments having steps onto the balconies.
While the council says it will offer support to residents living in the blocks, two brand new residents of the block have now told the Express of their fears of being kicked out prematurely as a result of the row.
Faris and Areen Talaqi have just signed a one-year lease for a one-bedroom apartment in the Main Sail Tower of the Mast Quay development.
They are very happy living in the riverside block and are now worried their rental agreement may be ended prematurely.
Faris and Areen Talaqi said they can't believe that their new home could be demolished by the counci (Image: Express)
It took the couple, who are both students working part-time to supplement their income, months to find a high-quality place with a rent they could afford.
Mr Talqi, 30, said: “We’re paying ￡1,905 a month, which isn’t cheap but it’s cheaper for the quality we have here compared to other places we looked at which charged more for less.
“We’re starting married life and some of the places we looked at were grim. This is a lovely flat with everything working and no damp or mould or other problems.
“It’s difficult to believe the building could be razed to the ground. I think the council needs to meet with the developers to sort this out.”
Mrs Alhaddad Talaqi, 25, added: “The security here is excellent. The outside and the communal areas are all well-lit and clean”.
“It’s very unsettling for us and other residents to think that we may be asked to leave. It’s awful to think about starting again to look for a new home, we know what’s out there and lots of the accommodation on offer is very poor.”
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Mast Quay under construction in 2021 (Image: Google Maps)
Anthony Okereke, leader of Greenwich Council, has said: “The right thing to do is not usually the easy thing to do. That is why we will not stand by and allow poor quality and unlawful development anywhere in our borough and we are not afraid of taking difficult decisions when we believe it’s the right thing to do."
However Comer Homes told The Express it was “surprised and extremely disappointed” by the council’s decision, adding: “We are particularly surprised to see the accompanying public statements which are inaccurate and misrepresent the position and our actions."
“We look forward to robustly correcting the inaccuracies and addressing the council’s concerns at the upcoming inquiry.
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“We have over many months sought to engage constructively with the council, and notwithstanding these disproportionate actions, remain willing to do so.”
A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “We will get Britian building again with 1.5 million homes over this Parliament and increase supply overall to make homes more affordable.
“Work to achieve this has already started. Just this week the Chancellor set out a comprehensive new growth-focused approach to the planning system, which will include reforming the National Planning Policy Framework and restoring mandatory housing targets.”
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