The Secure by Design team suggest the gates could be open between 7am – 5pm daily, however this will need to be formally agreed with Southwark Council.

When the gates are closed off in the evening residents will have fob access.

An analysis of daylight/sunlight was carried out and submitted as part of the planning application. The analysis concluded that 85% of all habitable rooms will achieve, at least, the minimum standard of 1.5 hours per day of direct sunlight.

This will be underfloor heating with zonal control and electric towel radiator in the bathrooms.

We are still at the design stage with regards to the heating, further information will be provided and shared at a later date on how this will be serviced/maintained. However, it is likely that we will be contracting with a third-party company that specialises in the management and maintenance of heating systems.

The new homes will be all electric, no gas.

Southwark Council will provide us with some names that can be used, we will update you on these, at a later date.

While we understand the desire for additional separation between the kitchen and living room, incorporating sliding doors would require significant changes to the design and compliance considerations. This includes reworking the electrical layout, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations, and reassessing the ventilation and smoke control strategy. These changes would add complexity, cost, and could delay the project timeline. The current open-plan design has been carefully developed to meet building regulations, ensure adequate natural light, and optimise space functionality for all residents.

The measurement for each room was provided at an event we held with residents last year. Room sizes will differ throughout. All layouts are compliant with Greater London Authority’s space standards and planning permission.

Yes, all homes will be on a single level, with step free access to all rooms. 

Bins will be located on the ground floor. There are no residential units on the ground floor. The bin storage units will be inside the building and accessed only through a fob security system.

Most properties will have relatively good views as the building will be elevated above the railway lines. Please see this image for guidance (Friars Close is in blue).

No, the site would be tenure blind. You would not be able to tell the difference between affordable and private sale blocks. External communal areas and green spaces will be shared. 

No concierge will be provided. This would increase service charges significantly. We will provide the delivery and post arrangements once design has been completed.

We are required to provide ample storage for bikes within the new development, in addition to storage within properties. There is no requirement or plans currently to provide parking for motorcycles on site.

We must meet specific planning requirements when developing proposals, however Southwark Council and the Riverside board have made it clear that proposals must be supported by the residents, so demonstrating resident support also forms part of the planning submission. Having the community behind us will impact decisions made. The voice of tenants is powerful. 

There may be some differences in the finishes within the homes, but the design, quality, and care taken will be the same for all homes whether for sale or for rent. Block/s will be tenure blind, so that from the outside, you would not be able to tell which is rented and which is privately owned.

We want you to know how important your safety is to us. In compliance with Part B of the Building Regulations, we will be installing the following: 

• The inclusion of a second and third stair core ensures safe evacuation routes in the event of a fire, particularly for tall buildings. This aligns with the guidance which recommends additional stair cores for buildings exceeding 18 metres in height to improve means of escape and access for firefighting. 

• Fire compartmentation: the building is designed with enhanced fire-resistant construction, dividing it into compartments to prevent fire and smoke spread between flats and across floors. 

• Smoke Ventilation Systems: a mechanical smoke ventilation system (MSVS) will be installed to extract smoke from corridors and stairwells, ensuring visibility and reducing smoke inhalation risks during evacuation. 

• Automatic Fire Suppression Systems: a full sprinkler system will be installed throughout the building, meeting the requirement for sprinkler systems in residential buildings over 11 metres. 

• Firefighting Access: the additional stair cores improve access for fire and rescue services, providing alternative routes for emergency personnel while ensuring resident safety during evacuation. 

• Wayfinding Signage: clear and durable wayfinding signage will be provided to assist emergency responders in navigating the building, as required for high-rise residential buildings. 

• External Wall Safety: materials for the external wall construction will meet stringent fire performance standards (non-combustible or limited combustibility) to mitigate external fire spread, in compliance with Regulation for high-rise buildings. 

These measures ensure the building prioritises the safety of residents and complies with the latest fire safety regulations for high-rise developments. 

Right to Buy allows residents on secure tenancies who meet the qualifying criteria to buy the homes they live in at a discount; those on assured tenancies have the Right to Acquire (again subject to meeting the qualifying criteria) which is a less generous discount.

Right to Buy is a scheme that allows qualifying secure tenants to buy the home they live in at a discount. Shared Ownership is a scheme designed to help first time buyers get on the property ladder, which enables people who meet certain criteria to buy a share of the property and pay rent for the remaining portion.