TENANTS living in Crown Estates in East London have been given assurances that they won’t lose their homes if the controversial plans to sell off the freehold on the properties go ahead. Families in properties next to East London’s Victoria Park began a campaign in January to protect their homes

By Mike Brooke

TENANTS living in Crown Estates in East London have been given assurances that they won’t lose their homes if the controversial plans to sell off the freehold on the properties go ahead.

Families in properties next to East London’s Victoria Park began a campaign in January to protect their homes over fears that new landlords could change tenancy agreements affecting their security rights.

Their fears were raised in the Commons by Respect MP George Galloway, whose Bethnal Green & Bow constituency includes half the properties around Victoria Park.

But Crown Estates issued a statement today (Monday) declaring “no-one will lose their home as a direct result of this proposal.”

The plans would mean selling the freeholds at Victoria Park as we as three other estates in London at Cumberland Market in Holloway, Millbank in Victoria and Lee Green near Lewisham.

Crown Estates have been swamped with 600 letters and phone-calls over the past six weeks, they admit.

“It is clear many residents feel anxious about this proposal,” said Crown Estate’s urban asset boss James Cooksey. “But nobody will be asked to leave their home.

“These fears are based on a misunderstanding. Should the freeholds be sold, every resident will remain in place. The new owners would not be able to change this, as it is protected by law.”

The tenancy rights are protected by the 1925 Property Act and the 1995 Landlord & Tenant Covenants Act, they point out.

A consultation is now under way before a final decision on the proposed sale.