Ebury Bridge residents have voted by a huge majority in favour of the redevelopment of the estate, including over 170 new council homes.
91% of voters backed the project, which is already under construction, meaning it now qualifies for £41 million of funding from the Greater London Authority.
Residents, including those who have been temporarily relocated for the scheme, have been consulted over the last month, with 67% of those eligible to take part having their say, although the council had already vowed to continue with the programme, even in the event of ‘no’ vote albeit with alterations.
Councillor Matt Noble, Cabinet Member for Climate Action and Regeneration, hailed the result – the second successful ballot the council has conducted so far this year, after a majority of Church Street residents backed a similar scheme.
He said: “We’re pleased that almost all residents voted in favour of our final Ebury Bridge proposals.
“We’re serious about giving local communities more say on the future of their area. With over 4000 Westminster households on the housing waiting list, our priority is building the types of homes that our families and individuals need. Consulting with residents and taking on board their feedback on proposed regeneration plans allows us to build even more social and lower rent homes needed in our city to create a fairer Westminster for everyone.”
Council bosses confirmed that GLA funding could mean another 130 social rent homes delivered as part of the Ebury regeneration on top of those specified in the original plans.
The Ebury Bridge regeneration was earmarked to create over 780 new properties, although some critics had commented on the lack of provision for intermediate renters.
Subject to the new funding, the council expects to deliver at least 1600 new affordable homes across both the Ebury Bridge and Church Street sites, with a target of 70% for social rent.
Image: Westminster City Council.