New council homes

We’re the largest local authority landlord in London and have been affected badly by the housing crisis.

We have:

• lost a significant number of our council homes through the Right to Buy scheme

• more than 16,500 households on our housing waiting lists

• more than 3,400 households living in temporary accommodation

One of the main reasons for homelessness is a lack of affordable homes.

We have a moral duty to explore all options available to us to build as many new council homes as we can.

Who will benefit from our building programme includes those who:

• do not currently live in council homes
• live in housing that does not meet their needs
• will be affected by new council homes being built on their estate or local area

At least 50% of our new council homes are offered to local tenants in housing need who already live locally. This means they can stay close to friends, family and the services they already use.

The remaining homes are allocated to others on our wider housing waiting list.

Some of our developments will include homes for private sale and shared ownership.

We always consider the wider impact of any new development. 

When we build on existing estates we aim to find ways to improve the estate for all residents, like adding new play areas or improving walkways.

Because Southwark is small and already densely built up, we look at innovative ways to build more council homes. For example, creating new homes: 

• on existing estates, like in disused spaces that can be converted 
• as part of other building schemes
• by converting garages and disused areas
• as part of major refurbishment works
• by buying homes built by others
• by buying land
• as part of regeneration projects – providing new council homes as part of a wider development
• by rebuilding existing buildings, working closely with residents

When we can buy land for a good price to build council homes we are doing so, like on Old Kent Road and at Canada Water.

The very high price of buying land in London usually means this is not possible.

Housing is a top concern for residents who want and need us to build more homes. 

We’ve been working with you to shape our plans, for example asking about:

• possible new housing sites
• designing the look and feel of new homes and local amenities
• planning
• delivery

This is so we build homes that meet your needs and improve local areas through great design and improved shared spaces.

We aim to make communities stronger, safer and more rewarding places to live.

When we identify sites that could be used for council housing, we run consultations with the local community. 

We work closely with local Tenants and Residents Associations on developments and hold drop-in events for residents. 

We work with residents to explore:

• the suitability of the site
• the housing need of residents in the local area
• opportunities to improve the local area and wider estate

If we decide to go ahead with a new development we'll submit a planning application. 

You can raise objections or comment on the proposal when it goes to the planning team.

In Southwark we have natural woodland, parkland, playing fields, allotments and play areas. 

We have 105 protected green spaces including:

• major and local parks

• gardens and squares

• sports grounds

• adventure playgrounds

•  almost 50 other open spaces

We’re still investing heavily in improving green spaces across Southwark.

We’ve invested over £61 million in parks since 2010. We now have 30 Green Flag parks, more than any other inner London borough, and the second highest number in London.

We are not and will never build on parks or designated open spaces. 

Sometimes we do build new homes on brownfield sites which may have been temporarily grassed over. 

These are not protected parks, open spaces or areas of biodiversity.