120 new affordable homes for Old Kent Road

Planning permission has been granted for another 120 affordable homes, including 65 at social rents, just off Old Kent Road.

Southwark Council’s planning committee approved plans for the development, comprising 40 per cent affordable housing, earlier this month.

The new homes will be built on the site of a former lorry park, at 79-161 Ilderton Road, which has stood empty for the past four years.

The 120 affordable homes will be built as part of a development that will also deliver a co-living scheme comprising 605 single-occupation homes. 65 of the 120 affordable homes will be let at social rents (either as council homes or equivalent rent) and the remainder will be for shared ownership.

The development, which is located close to South Bermondsey station, has been designed to provide a mix of spaces that meet a range of different needs. The developer, Fifth State and Wittington Investments, engaged closely with the local community, including Ilderton Primary School, prior to planning. As a result, the scheme also includes a non-profit community café; a small park and flexible commercial space alongside new affordable workspaces.

As part of the planning conditions, the developer will also fund enhanced local bus services, improve local roads and footpaths and create construction jobs and apprenticeships for Southwark residents.

Work is expected to start on site in 2024 and complete by 2027.

Read more about the benefits of regenerating Old Kent Road

A recording of the 7 November Planning Committee is available on the council’s YouTube channel.