Members of the council’s Planning Application Committee recently voted in favour of the proposed scheme which will comprise four residential blocks containing a mix of social rent and intermediate housing. Intermediate housing options, such as shared ownership, are properties for sale and rent provided at a cost above social rent, but below market levels.
The development will transform a vacant site which formerly contained two blocks of flats which were demolished as part of the Clapham Park Estate regeneration. This estate is owned and managed by Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing who will deliver the scheme. The site had previously been intended to provide a primary school along with residential development but Lambeth education services confirmed the site was no longer needed for a school due to falling pupil numbers.
People leaving London due to Brexit, the cost of living crisis and a one-third drop in birth rates, has resulted in fewer children starting school in Lambeth each year. The number of children enrolling in reception classes in Lambeth has fallen by more than 1,000 over the last 10 years.
During the planning process, some residents raised concerns that the site could be used for other forms of community resource if a school was no longer needed. However, the council confirmed that the site allocation does not require alternative social infrastructure and that a detailed assessment found the development would not create additional resource needs beyond health services.
Rent levels for the social rent homes will be set annually in line with government guidelines, while intermediate homes/shared ownership will be priced to remain affordable for households earning up to £67,000 a year.
Councillor Danny Adilypour, Deputy Leader of Lambeth Council and Cabinet Member for Housing, Investment and New Homes said:
“This decision demonstrates how we are fulfilling our commitment to enable the delivery of new homes that people in Lambeth can actually afford.
“New Park Road will provide high‑quality, secure housing for local residents and play an important role in the ongoing regeneration of Clapham Park.”
