Hackney (Parliament Politics Magazine) – CMA Planning has granted the planning permission for the new co – living property at 305A Kingsland Road in the Haggerston, which is owned by Scape Living. The aim is to build 150 additional co-living units in Hackney as part of the Kingsland Road project.
Scape living Project designed by pH+ Architects
The Kingsland Road proposal is designed by pH+ Architects. It would reclaim a 0.2-hectare plot of land that was previously cleared for use as a builder’s yard.
On the Kingsland Road frontage, the site has a brick building from the middle of the 20th century and an open yard that was once used for storage.
Which Locations are the most important for the new co-living program?
With the launch of the new co-living programme, Scape Living, which is situated in the City Fringe Opportunity Area and the Kingsland Priority Office Area, believes that this neglected location will soon help with Hackney’s housing and employment needs.
Residents will have great connectivity as Haggerston Overground Station, which links to important locations including Dalston Junction, Highbury & Islington, Clapham Junction, and Croydon, is only 300 metres away.
Nearby from the location are accessible walking and cycling facilities, as well as numerous bus services along Kingsland Road.
What is the Updated proposal for these 150 Co-living Units?
150 co-living homes will be delivered by the revised plan, up from the 121 that were first authorized in December 2020. Despite the modifications, the plan maintains the original design’s townscape, aesthetic, and heritage impact, guaranteeing a smooth transition into the conservation area.
Along with improved facilities, the updated plans give homeowners more bedroom space and a range of common areas that were not included in the original blueprints.
These consist of a multifunctional rooftop space with lounge areas, a kitchen and dining area, a gym, and spaces for working from home.
Secured approval for @scapeliving at LLDC Planning Committee this week, for Hackney Wick’s first Shared Living scheme providing 212 shared living homes and 1400sqm of workspace.
— CMA Planning (@CMA_Planning) March 28, 2024
CMA have worked extensively in the HWFI area, and this represents their 20th major approval! pic.twitter.com/lQ9ro0hWgU
Scape living’s project of Co-living Units
In order to shape the changes for the Kingsland Road site, Scape Living, which has also obtained planning clearance for three other significant co-living projects in London, said it has taken inspiration from these initiatives.
This project is part of a larger effort to maximise effective land use while meeting the rising need for adaptable urban living options.
A major step towards converting the neglected Kingsland Road property into a mixed-use housing and community area designed for contemporary city living has been taken with the planning clearance.
What were the previous housing initiatives in Hackney?
With some of the highest rents and home prices in London, there’s no escaping the shortage in Hackney. The majority of inhabitants, particularly those with lower incomes, are unable to find affordable housing.
In order to accommodate roughly 3,000 families that are currently confined to temporary housing, they require reasonably priced houses of all sizes.
Over the years, Hackney Council has taken a number of steps to address these issues and expand the availability of affordable housing.
Council has implemented the Hackney Housing Strategy 2017-2022 to build over 2,000 new homes, despite challenges like COVID-19 and Brexit.
In an effort to address the issue of affordability, the council also launched the Hackney Living Rent Scheme, which provides homes at affordable rates for middle-class renters who are ineligible for social housing.
In light of this, CMA Planning claims that the design is superior to Home of Multiple Occupation (HMO) housing since it is “based on an innovative approach towards mixed-use development that reflects the working and living needs of modern occupiers.”
According to a representative for Kingsland Road Developments, the proposals will create “much-needed homes for Londoners”, as well as offices and other workspaces and “provide a significant boost” for the economy.
“The planning application has been informed by the views of local residents and we very much hope that it will be supported by councillors in due course,”
they stated.