For many, regeneration has become synonymous with gentrification and the exclusion of local people from the places where they have lived and done business for generations. Local communities are increasingly resistant to these plans.

In 2018, Haringey LBC was forced to abandon their plans for the £2bn Haringey Development Vehicle. The plans included demolishing 1,300 existing homes on the Northumberland Park estate in Tottenham. Although the scheme was slated to deliver 6,400 new homes, local residents feared they would not be able to afford to return to their own communities following the redevelopment.  Similar fears are commonly expressed by both residents and the traders being supported by Tree Shepherd.

Looking ahead, with the Mayor of London hailing opportunities for more than £30bn of investment across 31 designated housing zones in London there is no sign of a slow down in regeneration activity for 2019.  To avoid the battles these developments can provoke, we need to find better ways to meaningfully consult with people who are affected by these planning decisions.