Viability studies of the Heygate project could be made public

Southwark Council should give up its fight to keep details about the financial viability of the Heygate estate secret, Liberal Democrat councillors have said.

A ruling by the Information Commissioner has demanded the council discloses ‘viability assessment’ documents relating the site, after a long battle to keep the information hidden from housing campaigners.

A Freedom of Information request for the assessment was originally rejected by Southwark Council early last year, but that decision has now been overturned by the Information Commissioner. Southwark has 35 days to produce the assessment or submit an appeal.

Responding, Southwark Liberal Democrats have said the papers must now be released, and no more taxpayer money should be used to try to keep them hidden.

Cllr Adele Morris, Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Jobs & Affordable Homes, said:

“The Liberal Democrat group in Southwark has been saying this information should be made public for a long time. Residents have lost faith in the planning system, and the council should be on the side of residents, not major developers.”

“The council should now come clean and release this information. No more taxpayer money should be used to keep it under wraps.”