Henley Homes, a housing developer has been slammed following barriers to prevent ‘poor’ kids living in social housing from using shared grassy play area at its Baylis Old School complex on Lollard Street, south London. This area is reserved for residents of the nearby private housing estate and hedged off.
The government has joined widespread condemnation of developers who blocked children living in social housing. There has been criticism from across the political spectrum, including from the Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan.
The Conservative housing minister, James Brokenshire, called the situation on the Baylis Old School site in Lambeth “outrageous”. He said the developers, Henley Homes, and the local council should immediately change the site.
James Brokenshire, Member of UK Parliament said, “Restricting children from play because they live in social housing is outrageous behaviour and I condemn it in the strongest terms. As part of our social housing green paper, we committed to tackling stigma and challenging the stereotypes perpetuated by such segregation.
“We are investigating this matter and will be liaising with the developer and any other parties responsible to ensure children of all backgrounds can play together.”
The shadow housing secretary, John Healey, said “this type of segregation is plain wrong. Over the last nine years, the government has given developers a free hand to build what they want.”
Louise Whitley, a private owner whose children are friends with youngsters from Wren Mews, said the separation “made her cry”.
She told “We bought a flat here because it was marketed as family-friendly. But now our children’s friends look down from their windows and can’t come and join us. We want them to be given back the access that was shown in the original plans.”
>Juthy Saha
Segregated Playgrounds to Separate Rich and Poor Children Sparks Outrage
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