Lambeth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Lambeth Council strikes a deal with Pocket Living to deliver 14 new social rent homes in Streatham, boosting affordable housing options in the area.
The council will be the only owner and manager of these residences. The borough’s efforts to address the housing shortage, which affects a large number of residents, include this agreement.
The Leigham Court Road parking lot is the subject of the agreement with developer Pocket Living.
It comes before a planning permission application to build a multi-tenure, residential-led development that would maximize the total number of homes on the now non-residential property.
The idea is being developed as part of the council’s renewed New houses Programme to address Lambeth’s ongoing social housing deficit, which aims to increase the borough’s supply of affordable houses.
Additionally, the council is trying to raise the overall number of dwellings available for private and social sale.
Cllr Danny Adilypour, Lambeth’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes, said:
“Leigham Court Road is an example of how we are exploring all our options to create more affordable housing that we desperately need in the face of an ongoing housing crisis.
Our partnership with affordable housing developer Pocket Living will result in a site with high quality homes, new community spaces, and improved public realm so all local residents can benefit from this inclusive growth.”
According to Lambeth’s developing Site Allocations Development Plan Document, the existing parking lot is a space set aside for future housing.
Subject to obtaining planning approval, the new deal with Pocket Living, who own a property next to the parking lot, will enable them to build as many additional houses as possible on properties that are currently owned by several different people.
Paul Rickard, Managing Director of Pocket Living, said:
“Having already delivered three Pocket developments across the Borough of Lambeth, providing more than 125 affordable homes for first time buyers, this latest agreement highlights the importance of positive and successful partnership working to accelerate the delivery of much-needed affordable homes for local communities.
Lambeth has a rich history of bringing forward successful urban infill development, so we are proud to once again be working with the council to bring a mix of affordable and social housing on underutilised sites within the borough.”
The principles of the Council’s New Homes Programme will guide the construction of all new homes, allowing for the design of high-quality homes that benefit and provide social value to the surrounding communities while also including residents and pertinent stakeholders at every stage of the process.
What are the key highlights of the agreements?
The goal of the partnership with Pocket Living, a developer renowned for creating small, reasonably priced homes, is to increase Streatham’s social rental alternatives. This is in line with Lambeth’s plan to provide as much affordable housing as possible throughout the borough.
In order to meet Lambeth’s housing demands, especially for people on the council’s waiting list, social rent dwellings must be the main priority. Generally speaking, social rent levels are lower than those of other types of “affordable” housing.
The new residences will be situated in Streatham, allowing homeowners to access neighborhood facilities and services while also aiding in the revitalization of the neighborhood.
The council’s objective of building thriving, inclusive communities is furthered by this development.
In order to meet its housing goals, Lambeth’s housing policy places a strong emphasis on collaborations with companies such as Pocket Living.