The first residents have moved into a Deptford housing scheme which was delayed by its link to a bitterly contested nearby development.

A total of 120 properties, including 24 social homes, are being built on Amersham Vale as part of a joint project between Lewisham Council, developers Peabody Trust, Sherrygreen Homes and contractor Mulalley.

They are part of a wider scheme to build 141 social homes in the area, including on the former site of Tidemill Garden, which was occupied by protestors for two months in 2019.

Diann Gerson, speaking from her new home, said: “Initially I was opposed to the idea [of moving] and went to lots of Council meetings about the Tidemill scheme.

“I was later advised that there were properties available here [Amersham Vale] instead if I was interested. I got a call saying that a place was available to look at and came and fell in love with it.

“I love it – I like the peace, the quiet, the space. It’s just right for me, just the right size. I’ve got a garden and didn’t have a garden before.

“I’m going to get a little greenhouse for the garden because all my plants used to die on the balcony!”

The social homes will be rented out by Peabody, at a cost more affordable than private housing.

The Amersham Vale project was “twinned” with Tidemill in the planning process, meaning delays to the Tidemill development impacted the beginning of construction in 2019.

Save Tidemill Save Reginald campaigners occupied the council-owned garden for two months to stop it being demolished for development into tower blocks, due to concerns over air quality and access to green space.

Scores of bailiffs forcibly evicted campaigners, as the council introduced a round-the-clock security presence, at a cost of more than £100,000.

A total of 209 homes will be built on the Tidemill site, including 117 social homes.

Charlottenburg Park, which opened in 2016, was built as part of the Amersham Vale scheme.

Damien Egan, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “It was lovely to meet Diann and see her settling into her new home so well.

"141 new social homes will make a huge difference in our community.

“I hope Diann will be the first of many Lewisham residents to enjoy the new homes being delivered through these schemes and I wish everyone living there many years of happy memories.”

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