Dalston residents were in uproar today, accusing council leaders of “social cleansing,” after fears that a proposed construction project would price out locals.
Upmarket developer Taylor Wimpey, along with Transport for London, have put in a bid to build two blocks of flats, next to Dalston Junction station.
Residents, however, fear that the “gated community” would damage the feel of the up and coming East London district and have called on Mayor Boris Johnson to look into the plans.
Known as the Dalston Western Curve, it is believed that less than 10% of the properties would be classified as “social housing” and has been accused of not apportioning sufficient green space.
TfL and Taylor Wimpey have rejected this, saying the plan had been “carefully developed” according to Hackney council and GLA planning policies and that the proposal would “breathe new life” into the sites.
But Bill Parry-Davies, founder of community forum OPEN Dalston, still insists that it would be damaging to the area.
“These flats will not be affordable to local people — only for buy-to-let investors and some wealthy incomers. Local people are being priced out,” he said.
“With housing benefit cuts coming in April, it’s leading to Dalston’s social cleansing. Developments like these accelerate that loss of local diversity.”
Property prices in Dalston have soared since the Olympics, and are expected to keep rising.
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