Locals in support of the application hope it will bring a mix of new people and ‘energy’ into the area
Plans to build a 134-room co-living scheme in Oval have been unanimously approved by Lambeth councillors.
Applicant, Espalier Property Ventures Ltd, submitted a planning application to Lambeth Council to build ‘purpose-built shared living accommodation’ at 68-86 Clapham Road. The plans were unanimously approved by Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee last Tuesday (September 22), following strong support from local community groups.
During last week’s meeting, the current site was described as an “eyesore” that was attracting fly-tipping, along with human and dog fouling.
The current site is home to an end of terrace four-storey building with three self-contained homes, along with a Europcar rental depot with a large forecourt which is vacant. The site will be demolished to make way for the development.
A representative of the Fentiman and Richborne Residents’ Association (FARA) told the committee: “We think co-living space will be a good addition to the area, which is primarily residential, and hope they will drive down demand of letting flats on Airbnb.
“In addition, we know that some developers who got permission for a family flat are now letting out rooms to single people. So we’re hoping it’s going to offset that. Again, co-living space will provide alternatives.”
An Oval resident said the current site had been a problem for a long time, describing it as unsafe at night and prone to fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour (ASB).
He said “nothing will improve unless this redevelopment takes place”, and said the co-living scheme will bring a mix of people and energy into the area.
Cllr Bryn Scott, an Oval ward councillor, said: “The site in the past has been a hotspot for ASB, drinking and far worse. I’m grateful to the project team who responded to the concerns of myself, council colleagues and residents and went on to secure the site last year, which went some way to alleviate some of the issues.”
Cllr Scott added: “Many of my neighbours on my roads and surrounding roads have been wishing for something to be done with the site for quite some time now. And the engagement, particularly with us as councillors and residents, has been really, really positive.”
Richard Ward, Director at DP9 Limited, the applicant’s agent, said residents had waited a “very long time” for the site to be redeveloped.
He added: “The proposed development will make a significant contribution to housing delivery in Lambeth with the equivalent of approximately 76 net additional homes being provided. It will also provide education floor space at ground level with capacity for 60 students at any one time.”
Following a viability appraisal in July, the scheme shows a deficit of £3.1 million, which has been reviewed and agreed by the council’s own consultants. Elsewhere, the applicant has offered a payment in lieu of £1.4 million towards off-site affordable housing, as the site is not delivering any on site.
Purpose-built shared living accommodation, also known as co-living, is a type of housing where people typically have their own rooms and bathrooms, but share communal spaces such as kitchens and lounges.
The scheme will deliver 134 co-living rooms, four self-contained maisonettes facing Palfrey Place, and three classrooms which are intended for adult education and data analyst training.
The co-living rooms will vary in size, between 18 sqm and 20.5 sqm. Of the 134 rooms, 13 will be wheelchair accessible and will be between 28 sqm and 30 sqm. At its tallest, the development will be five storeys in height.
The plans were ultimately approved by the committee, with all seven councillors voting in favour of the application.
Don’t miss out on the biggest local stories. Sign up to our MySouthLondon newsletter HERE for all the latest daily news and more
