CAMPAIGNERS escalated their protest against the proposed demolition of a housing estate in South Thamesmead on Saturday by occupying an empty home on the block.

Residents and activists took over the Lesnes Estate home, demanding that empty houses be opened immediately and the entire estate be renovated instead of torn down.

They insisted that John Lewis, executive leader of Peabody, the social housing provider turned developer in charge of the “regeneration scheme,” agree to meet residents in person and listen to their demands.

The occupation followed a march to the Peabody sales office on the estate, organised by resident campaign group LesRes and supported by the housing and climate campaign group Housing Rebellion.

Peabody was given planning permission in October 2022 for a regeneration plan that would demolish the estate to build 1,950 new homes.

Only 61 of the units are listed to be capped at social rent, while 35 per cent are designated “affordable” and priced at up to 80 per cent of market rent, according to the campaigners.

Residents fear that the new plans will displace them further out of London, torn away from a close-knit community.

Campaigners have also voiced concerns about the environmental impact of the proposed development, as demolition and new construction are highly carbon-intensive and ecologically destructive.

Residents say they will not leave voluntarily and will stand firm against all attempts to bully them out of their homes.

With the planning application yet to be formally approved by the mayor of London, residents are calling for a public hearing to voice their concerns.