Green light for 49 new council homes

Council plans to build 49 new council homes on the Rennie estate in Bermondsey have been given planning permission.

12 of the new homes will be family-sized homes of three and four bedroom properties, providing much-needed accommodation for local families in the area.

The development forms part of Southwark’s ambitious New Homes Programme, which is building 11,000 new council homes across the borough by 2043 to tackle the housing crisis locally. The council is looking at new and innovative ways to build new council homes, including by converting garages and disused areas across the borough.

The development will also see two new playgrounds built on the Rennie estate, one for under-fives and one for older children, as well as a new outdoor gym for adults. The plans also include creating a new communal amenity space, and carrying out landscape improvements between Trevithick House and the new buildings. The council will also improve the lighting at the back of the estate, following feedback from residents.

In line with the council’s commitment to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, the new development will use air source heat pumps to provide heating and hot water for the building. This sustainable heating system absorbs heat from the outside air instead of burning fossil fuels, meaning less carbon emissions and lower costs for residents.

Councillor Stephanie Cryan, Cabinet Member for Council Housing, said;

“I’m thrilled this development now has planning permission and will be going ahead. These new homes will be perfect for local people in housing need in the borough, providing the safe, secure homes they desperately need. And I know that adults and children living on Rennie estate will be delighted with the new playgrounds, gym and other improvements we’ll be making there.”

The planning decision notice was issued in March and work is due to start on site by the end of this year. The development is expected to complete in winter 2023.