Planning consent will fast-track affordable homes in Catford

A resolution to grant planning permission has been received for an important mixed-use project in Catford, South East London which is part of the London-Wide Initiative (LWI), a Government-backed scheme to fast-track more affordable homes for key workers throughout London.

The £120M project, led by development partners Countryside Properties and Hyde Housing Association (part of The Hyde Group) in association with the national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, (set to become the Homes & Communities Agency on 1 December), will transform the former Catford Greyhound Stadium site into a thriving new community of 590 homes.

The plans include a mix of accommodation ranging from one and two bedroom flats to three and four bedroom family homes, of which 35 per cent will be affordable properties for social rent, intermediate rent and fixed equity sale. An additional 22 per cent will offer low cost key worker accommodation. The homes mainly comprise houses and apartments up to four storeys, rising to a maximum of eight storeys.

The 4.25 hectare site is located to the west of Catford town centre, and was acquired by English Partnerships specifically for the LWI. The site is very heavily constrained by existing services and is almost encircled by railway lines and the River Ravensbourne. The development partners have worked closely with leading architects, Hunters & Partners, and planning consultants, Savills, to develop the plans for the site. Central to the project is a new pedestrian square which includes 500 sq m of new shops and will create a new station gateway for visitors coming into Catford and Catford Bridge railway stations.

A new footbridge will be constructed across the eastern railway lines to improve the links between the existing community to the west of the site, as well as the new scheme, with Catford town centre.

Construction work is due to start in mid 2009.

The scheme will incorporate a comprehensive sustainable development strategy which will include a CHP (Combined Heat & Power) plant, with biomass boiler back-up, enhancements to the fabric of the buildings and water conservation measures including a Sustainable Urban Drainage Strategy.

Michael Hill, Director, Countryside Properties PLC commented: "We are delighted that the Council have now approved our proposals for this very difficult but strategically important scheme, which we are confident will trigger regeneration of the wider area. We will be delivering not only around 300 greatly needed affordable homes, we will also be regenerating a derelict site and funding a package of nearly £2.5m of improvements to the area, including Ladywell Fields, public transport and cycle facilities. We are also providing new shopping, office and community buildings which could provide new facilities for local doctors and dentists if they are needed".