Comedians James Acaster and Nish Kumar have come under intense criticism after their involvement in a campaign opposing the redevelopment of Peckham’s Aylesham Centre into a large residential development comprising 867 new homes. The project, led by Berkeley Homes, has sparked heated debate after the developer substantially reduced the proportion of affordable housing from the originally promised 35% (around 270 homes) to only 12% (77 homes). This change has infuriated local residents and housing advocates, who argue the scheme now caters more to investors and second-home buyers than to those in desperate need of affordable accommodation.

The comedians’ support for the campaign, which includes performing at fundraising events to help cover legal costs for a planning inquiry, has drawn dismissive backlash from critics branding them as "nimbies" (Not In My Back Yard) and "champagne socialists." James Yucel, Director of the Conservative pro-housing group Conservative YIMBY, disparaged Acaster and Kumar as celebrities opposing new homes in an already unaffordable area while purportedly railing against "gentrification." He argued that their stance was hypocritical and counterproductive to solving London’s housing crisis, highlighting that Peckham has a pressing need with over 16,000 people on its social housing waiting list and average property prices soaring to approximately £800,000.

Further condemnation came from Tory MP Neil O'Brien and housing experts like Kane Emerson of the YIMBY Alliance, who stressed the importance of building homes on brownfield land within a dense urban environment to address the housing shortage. Emerson's pointed critique underscored the tension between progressive ideals and opposition to new development, suggesting that obstructing well-located housing projects is ultimately detrimental to those seeking affordable homes.

The controversy has been fuelled by Berkeley Homes’ decision to bypass Southwark Council—a local authority that had opposed the reduced affordable housing offer—and take its appeal directly to the government's Planning Inspectorate. This move was justified by the developer’s complaint that the council had been too slow to process the application, a charge supported by some housing advocates who accuse councils of turning planning into "political theatre" and delaying urgently needed homes.

In response, Southwark Council’s cabinet member for housing, Helen Dennis, defended the council’s position, emphasizing its commitment to affordable housing targets and the wellbeing of all residents. She highlighted that Southwark has delivered more genuinely affordable homes than any other London borough in the past year and maintains a target of 35% affordable homes in new developments. Dennis also expressed disappointment over Berkeley’s lowered offer, stating that the reduced number of affordable units and uncertainties about community land trust homes do not justify the development’s impact on Peckham’s Rye Lane Conservation Area or align with national planning policy frameworks.

The legal battle now ahead is significant for Peckham and reflective of wider struggles in London and across the UK over balancing housing market demands, social equity, and urban regeneration. The campaign, bolstered by local councillors, MPs, and celebrities like Acaster and Kumar, has already raised over £46,000 to fund their legal challenge at a planning inquiry scheduled for later this month. However, this mobilisation faces strong opposition from housing advocates who warn that blocking developments on brownfield sites risks entrenching the housing shortage and exacerbating affordability problems.

Peckham’s situation, with its large waiting lists for social housing and soaring prices, epitomises the complex dynamics of urban housing policy—where the aspiration for community preservation often clashes with the urgent need for scale and affordability in new housing. The outcome of this dispute may set important precedents for how London's growth and gentrification challenges are managed in the coming years.

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Source: Noah Wire Services