For the upcoming 'regeneration' of the Old Kent Road, more than one very reliable person has stated that the following promises and assurances have already been made by Southwark Council's regeneration team to locals affected:
- Legally, businesses are not allowed to be forcibly closed or disrupted to an extent that is harmful to the running of the business during the council's works.
- Lessons have been learnt from the damaging way the Aylesbury and Heygate projects were managed. The council does not want a repeat of what happened there, and will treat those affected with more consideration, also hearing their needs and concerns before making final plans.
- Tenants and residents will not be forced out of the area. Leaseholders will be offered new properties and part-ownership in any case where the price paid for a current home facing demolition does not meet the value of the new property. Homeowners will also keep the equivalent percentage if the value of their new property rises.
- There will be phased works, minimising stress and disruption to people's lives.
- Green space will be better utilised.
- There will only be one move where possible, for each property affected.
There will obviously be much more to say about when things get underway, and new laws regarding maximum charges and audits come into play, but it is worth noting now what the council is saying at this point - and whether they keep to their words.
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