50% increase in housing planned across Lewisham – up from 1,385 homes to 2,117 a year

Lewisham Council are to begin consultation early in 2019 on updating plans for new housing in the borough.

The current London Plan has a target for the borough of 1,385 homes a year. New plans would see that rise to 2,117.

The borough have been exceeding their current target in recent years though the number of “affordable” homes has fallen as a percentage despite profit margins of large home builder rising sharply.

It’s interesting to see this information laid out so clearly which contrasts with Greenwich, which this site last week revealed is seeing £12.2 million from New Homes Bonus income this year, and has seen a total of £64 million over recent years.

I’ve been reporting income from various funds to the borough but none of it has been easy to locate.

Updated plans for new homes comes as the number of Londoners living in insecure private rentals has rocketed over the past decade.

Where will the homes go?

20,438 homes are planned, but where?

Well, I’m speculating here but a fundamental rebuild of Lewisham shopping centre is likely with a large increase in homes. Catford town centre is also in line as the South Circular is re-routed.

I can also see many new homes at industrial land directly next to New Sydenham station though much is in Bromley borough.

The Sainsbury’s site at New Cross already has plans for a comprehensive rebuild.

Vast retail parks around Bell Green are also likely to be altered despite more attempts to build retail sheds.

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