These new homes for people on Southwark’s housing waiting list will be part of the proposed development by the joint venture between Places for London, TfL’s property company, and central London developer, Helical. The development will also include 429 purpose-built student rooms, and have been secured as a result of Southwark’s forward-thinking planning policies, which require affordable homes as part of any new student development which is not led by a university.
The council will confirm this month that it intends to acquire these 44 new homes as council homes and incorporate them into the Styles House Estate.
These plans will replace TfL’s prior office scheme and the council’s previous proposal for 25 new council homes next to Styles House, which was paused in 2023 due to changes in fire safety regulations.
Planning permission was granted last night (Wed 5 March) by the council’s planning committee with the council’s intention to acquire the homes, at no cost to the Housing Revenue Account, set out in Cabinet papers published ahead of its meeting on 11th March.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, said, “We want decent homes for everyone in Southwark and I’m delighted this project to provide 44 much-needed council homes has the green light to move forward.
“I’m particularly pleased that we reached a creative solution, using our planning policies to turn a negative situation into a positive at Styles House. Even more local residents will now benefit from this deal, with 44 new council homes in a development that will also enhance the existing estate.
“I look forward to seeing building works getting started again here soon, delivering new council homes for those in need.”
Scott Anderson, Head of Property Development at Places for London, said: “It’s wonderful news to have received approval for our over station development at Southwark.
"Designed to preserve the architectural heritage of the station and aiming for the highest of sustainability standards, our plans with Helical will bring new homes and provide real benefits for London.
"We’re proud to be providing improvements to the local community through new high-quality and affordable homes and student accommodation which will help to alleviate pressure on the housing market in the area.
"We’re glad to be able to move forward with our plans where residents will benefit from new, high-quality public spaces, including a community garden space, new play spaces for children and shops around the station.”
Building works at the new development are expected to start in 2026 and complete in 2028.