Nish Kumar and fellow comic James Acaster slammed for attempt to halt housing development: 'Champagne socialists!'

Critics have taken to social media to condemn the fundraising initiative, arguing that the entertainers are hindering solutions to London's housing shortage.

The proposed development would transform an existing shopping centre site into residential accommodation, with a proportion classified as affordable housing.

The campaign has sparked debate about celebrity involvement in local planning disputes, with critics suggesting the comedians' actions could force many Londoners seeking homeownership to remain in the rental market.

Mr Acaster, who co-presents the Off Menu podcast, and television presenter Mr Kumar, known for hosting Pod Save the UK, both staged performances at Peckham Levels to generate funds for local opposition efforts.

The shows formed part of a crowdfunding initiative launched by Aylesham Community Action on September 9.

The group aims to secure £50,000 to hire a barrister who will present their objections at a Planning Inspectorate hearing scheduled for late October.

The funds will support legal representation for residents opposing Berkeley Homes' application to construct 867 dwellings on the current Aylesham shopping centre location on Rye Lane.

The developer submitted its proposal to Southwark Council last year.

Berkeley Homes initially proposed that 35 per cent of the units would be affordable, meeting Southwark Council's minimum requirements.

However, in December, the developer reduced this provision to 12 per cent, prompting widespread opposition from local representatives.

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The company chose to circumvent the local planning process in May, submitting their application directly to the government's Planning Inspectorate. Berkeley suggested that council procedures had been excessively lengthy in reviewing their proposal.

Local Labour ward councillors for Rye Lane and MP Miatta Fahnbulleh have called on the developer to reconsider their plans.

Councillor Helen Dennis, responsible for New Homes in Southwark, explained that the dramatic reduction in affordable housing forced the authority to reassess the entire scheme.

Despite the reduction in affordable property numbers, GB News' Tom Harwood was just one person quick to slam the pair's actions, writing on X: "James Acaster and Nish Kumar are raising £50,000 to stop 867 new homes being built above this concrete car park. Housing crisis, what housing crisis? Alright for some."

Meanwhile, others have branded the two "champagne socialists" and "disgusting" for fighting the plans.

In response to an article published by Southwark News, one X user fumed: "Why don't James and Nish want people to have houses?"

"How much of an a**hole do you have to be to fight an affordable residential development when you're a wealthy public figure?? Disgusting behaviour, from two disgusting men," a second weighed in.

"Selfish NIMBYs," another argued before a fourth echoed: "Why does Nish Kumar hate young people wanting to buy their first home?" (sic)

James Acaster and Nish Kumar are raising £50,000 to stop 867 new homes being built above this concrete car park.

Housing crisis, what housing crisis? Alright for some. https://t.co/hEqL3pLmie pic.twitter.com/UniY2k89uQ

— Tom Harwood (@tomhfh) October 16, 2025