An MP has pledged to ban ‘poor doors’ on mixed housing developments if he becomes the Mayor of London saying he would never had allowed it in Queen’s Park.
Sadiq Khan, one of six people vying to become the Labour Mayoral candidate, said today that he would not grant permission for any development if the design has two entrances, one for private tenants and one for social housing tenants.
Queen’s Park Place in Albert Road, Queen’s Park, came under fire last year following revelations that social housing tenants were not allowed to use the main entrance which features a 24/7 manned concierge desk.
They were also barred from a private courtyard gardens and basement car and cycle parking.
In addition, services, including postal delivery and refuse storage, are also divided.
The MP for Tooting, who is also a former Transport Minister and Shadow Minister for London, said he had been in a series of meetings with housing charities, including Shelter, Generation Rent and the Notting Hill Housing Trust resulting in him drawing up this policy.
“Unlike the present mayor who has refused to end this appalling form of social segregation, I would act to ban poor doors once and for all, he said.
“We outlawed segregation in this country almost 50 years ago and I’m not going to allow it to rear its ugly head again. Poor doors segregate people who are living side by side, they drive a wedge between our communities.
“I want a London that rejoices in its social cohesion not separates people on the basis of their social class.”
Last month New York Mayor Bill de Blasio moved to ban poor doors following an outcry from New Yorkers.
Sir Edward Lister, chief of staff and deputy mayor for planning for London, had previously said: “The Mayor is committed to creating mixed communities for Londoners on a range of incomes.
“While he discourages dual access doors in planning applications, in some cases, this is not possible without incurring unaffordable service charges for people on a tight budget.”
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