London's children's playgrounds to be replaced by social housing units

In Southwark, London, concerns are rising over the impact of housing development on children's play areas and the quality of social housing. The Southwark Council's decision to board up communal spaces and playgrounds to make way for new homes has sparked controversy and raised questions about the wellbeing of local children.

The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is currently scrutinising the issue of protecting children's play areas, gathering evidence from play experts, planners, and psychologists. This comes as experts warn that the boarded-up play areas at Bells Gardens and Lindley estates mirror the poor state of social housing across London.

Local protests against the construction of 600 new homes at Bells Gardens and Lindley estates have been vocal. Families claim their children have stopped playing outside on weekends and after school due to the lack of play spaces. The boarded-up area is described as an 'abomination' by locals, a sentiment echoed by Cllr Helen Dennis, a cabinet member and councillor for new homes and development.

Cllr Dennis stated that the local authority had to stop the construction of more social homes due to mounting costs and higher building costs and interest rates following the government’s mini-budget. However, she assured residents that a playground would be provided and that efforts are being made to get things moving again.

The new properties at Bells Gardens and Lindley estates are being built as part of 'infill building', the insertion of additional housing units into an already-approved subdivision or neighbourhood. This development strategy has put pressure on space, with the mayor of London suggesting that there should be around 10 square meters per child for play areas. However, developers often do not adhere to this standard, leading to a lack of play spaces for children.

The issue of social housing in Southwark is complex. With 15,000 people on its housing waiting list, the council manages a large social housing stock, housing 40% of its residents. Balancing housing needs with community services is a challenge, and the temporary or permanent boarding up of playgrounds and communal spaces as part of redevelopment can diminish children’s opportunities for outdoor play and socialising, potentially impacting childhood wellbeing and social cohesion.

While Southwark Council continues to invest in parks like Southwark Park, a large community resource for recreation and sports, and opens new play areas with swings and climbing frames, these efforts do not fully offset the impact of space closures in some neighbourhoods. The closures of eight schools in Southwark since 2022 further reduce educational and community spaces that children rely on.

In conclusion, the boarding up of communal and play spaces in Southwark for new homes development is likely restricting children's access to safe play environments and straining social housing resources. While some new play areas and parks continue to be refurbished or opened, the overall effect could contribute to challenges in children’s wellbeing and community dynamics in this part of London. It is hoped that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities' investigation will lead to solutions that protect children's play areas and ensure the quality of social housing in Southwark.

[1] Southwark News, "Eight schools close in Southwark since 2022", 1st January 2023, https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/education/eight-schools-close-in-southwark-since-2022-378864

[2] Southwark Council, "New homes and development", https://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/20134/new_homes_and_development

[3] Southwark News, "New play area opens in Peckham", 1st March 2023, https://www.southwarknews.co.uk/news/community/new-play-area-opens-in-peckham-381377

[4] Southwark Council, "Social housing", https://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/20003/social_housing

[5] Southwark Park, https://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/20002/parks_and_open_spaces/170/southwark_park