A planning application for the scheme was supported by the council’s planning applications committee when it met on Tuesday 23 September, winning unanimous backing of councillors.
The proposed 18 one-bedroom homes will be for young people who have made the transition from supported housing, are in employment and are ready to live independently. They will be made available to tenants for up to five years with rents limited to a maximum of a third of their gross earnings.
Councillor Danny Adilypour, Lambeth’s Deputy Leader (Housing, Investment and New Homes), said: “We’re doing what we can to address the housing crisis and prevent youth homelessness, taking the opportunity to be creative in building new homes, as this partnership to deliver a 100% social housing development for young people shows.
“I’m delighted this scheme now has planning support and we can get on with getting these desperately needed new homes built.
Working with Centrepoint will ensure we have the best support possible in place for these young people, to help them work towards a successful future.”
The new housing will be developed under a lease agreement on the Lambeth Council site, where Centrepoint’s Independent Living Programme will lead the building and future management of the site. It is part of new partnership between the council and Centrepoint to provide young people with a home to call their own.
The proposed units are self-contained single occupancy flats and are stepping stone homes that bridge the gap between supported housing and renting privately, giving the young people a high level of while still providing access to expert support from Centrepoint.
Sally Orlopp, Director of People, Property, and Independent Living at Centrepoint, said: “We are delighted that these new, vibrant and genuinely affordable homes have been granted planning permission and look forward to works starting soon.
“Once they are built, these homes will be an important stepping stone for dozens of young people in Lambeth over the coming years, providing a stable and affordable base for them to get on in their lives, fulfil their potential and pursue their ambitions. We can’t wait to hand over the first keys of this development to the young people who will live here.
The new homes will be energy efficient with air source heat pump for lower heating and water bills. There will also be 20 secure bicycle parking spaces for residents and visitors.
Construction is scheduled to start in early 2026 with an estimated completion date in early 2027. Once the new homes are ready, they will be offered to eligible employed 18- 25-year-olds.
To learn more about independent living programme, visit the Centrepoint website.
