Property developer in Lambeth makes embarrassing climb down over segregated playground

A property developer has made a U-turn over children from the social housing sections of the development accessing the communal playground after resident’s complaints.

Property developer, Henley Homes, had been subject to widespread criticism after it emerged that their design for the 149 home development on Lollard Street, Lambeth blocked children from the social housing side of the development accessing the playground.

The property forms part of the Baylis Old School complex where the social housing building – Wren Mews – had impassable hedges built around the communal play area which could only be accessed by private property owners.

Tariq Usmani, CEO of Henley Homes, said: “We have absolutely no objection to the residents of Wren Mews – a freehold owned and managed by Guinness Partnership – having access to the play area and amenities of Baylis Old School. We never had any objection.”

Wren Mews was operated by affordable housing managers The Guinness Partnership. A spokeswoman for The Guinness Partnership said: “Henley Homes and The Guinness Partnership are in absolute agreement that all customers should have access to all play areas and amenities.

“We are now working with Warwick Estates, who manage the private development, to ensure that this happens as soon as possible.’

Lambeth council have denied permitting Henley Homes the planning permission to create a segregated playground.

Cllr Matthew Bennett, cabinet member for planning, investment and new homes, said: “It is completely unacceptable for social housing residents to be denied equal access to play areas at their homes. The current segregated arrangement was not in the original planning application.”

The property developer received condemnation across the board with MPs having their say as well.

Angela Rayner MP said: “Children in social housing are blocked from a communal playground. Poor kids have enough issues to deal with day to day without being segregated from play areas as well.”

“What sort of message does this send to our young children growing up?”