Councillors approve plans for Lambeth regeneration site

Plans for a 441-home development in Lambeth have been approved by councillors, subject to a planning agreement being finalised.

Bellway London Partnerships and The Riverside Group are to deliver the one, two, three and four-bedroom homes at the development at Geoffrey Close Estate, off Flaxman Road.

The joint venture, which was given the green light by unanimous approval by members of Lambeth Council’s planning committee on Tuesday (31 August), will include the provision of 135 homes for social rent, a further 62 affordable homes for London Living Rent or shared ownership, and 244 private homes.

The regeneration scheme includes the demolition of existing buildings at Geoffrey Close, York Close and Canterbury Close and the construction of six new buildings at the site, ranging in height from five to 13 storeys.

Members of Lambeth Council commented that it was an excellent scheme put forward by Riverside and Bellway, welcoming more affordable housing for Lambeth and praising consultation on the scheme including the positive ballot result supporting the regeneration plans for the area.

Bill Kenneally, Regional Director of Bellway London Partnerships, said: “Now that plans have been approved by councillors, we can take the next steps in our plans for this exciting project.

“Riverside and Bellway London Partnerships have liaised closely with Lambeth Council and the Greater London Authority (GLA) to formulate a plan to regenerate the estate and improve the lives of residents living there.

“The residents are the most important people in this process and our consultation with them revealed that the majority were in favour of the initiative. Existing residents will only be asked to move from their current homes once the new ones are ready to be occupied, ensuring a single decant approach to the scheme.

“We are providing a substantial number of new affordable homes which will provide further housing for local people, while the development will also include 810 cycle parking spots, a residents’ gym, a new community centre and new communal outside space.”

Bellway London Partnerships will build and market the properties, with the affordable homes remaining with Riverside.

Nathan Gravesande, Director of Development and Regeneration at Riverside, said:

“We’ve been working closely with the Greater London Authority, Lambeth Council and other key stakeholders for many years to bring forward this important regeneration scheme and are delighted to secure full planning permission to be able to move forward with construction.

“Our vision for the Geoffrey Close Estate is to deliver much-needed new, fit-for-purpose homes that our residents need and deserve. We have, and will continue to, work closely with them as we move to the next phase of this scheme.”

Bill added: “This development will deliver hundreds of much-needed new homes and give local residents a brand-new estate to be proud of. This regeneration will breathe new life into Lambeth and be a hugely positive addition to the area.

“Bellway London Partnerships is committed to building high-quality, attainable housing which will have a direct and beneficial impact on the lives of people in London.”