Policy information sourced from Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035

H11: Estate regeneration

Estate regeneration schemes must achieve at least 50 per cent affordable housing in the final scheme, based on habitable rooms. Applicants should demonstrate through a viability assessment that they have sought to maximise the proportion of affordable housing in the scheme and should where possible provide more than 50 per cent.

Existing affordable housing floorspace on estate regeneration schemes should be replaced on an equivalent basis, i.e. where social rented floorspace is lost, it should be replaced by general needs rented accommodation with rents at levels based on that which has been lost. Affordable housing that is replacing social rent housing must be provided as social rent housing where it is facilitating a right of return for existing tenants. Where affordable housing that is replacing social rent housing is not facilitating a right of return, it may be provided as either social rent or London Affordable Rent housing. Replacement affordable housing should be integrated into the development to ensure mixed and inclusive communities.

The tenure of additional affordable housing (other than the replacement provision) should include an appropriate mix of low cost rented and intermediate affordable units to meet identified housing need (including priority for those on the lowest incomes) and achieve a mixed and balanced community. The type of intermediate provision should reflect the principles identified in the council’s Tenancy Strategy.

The size of accommodation provided through estate regeneration schemes will be dependent on the particular needs of both existing and prospective future residents of the estate and should be justified on this basis.

The design of schemes should follow the principles of high quality design set out in the policies in section 10 of this Plan. See also Local Plan policies EN1(a)(ii) and Q12(c) for the approach to housing estate amenity land.

External amenity space provision should address the Lambeth specific requirements set out in Local Plan policy H5. However, there may be particular circumstances associated with housing estate regeneration schemes that justify a different approach to the layout of external amenity space and ratio between private and communal space. This should be justified on a case by case basis, having regard to the Lambeth Housing Design Principles, privacy, safety, overlooking, appropriate separation between residential units, and management and maintenance arrangements.

Provision for play and informal recreation should follow the approach set out in London Plan policy S4 and associated Supplementary Planning Guidance.

Estate regeneration schemes should seek to increase permeability and integration into the existing urban fabric; improve safety and access for walking, cycling and public transport use to local amenities for residents; improve the public realm within the estate; and create new walking and cycling routes through estates as appropriate.

General parking standards will apply to estate regeneration schemes, as set out in Local Plan policies T3 and T7, unless exceptional local circumstances are demonstrated.

Applicants for estate regeneration schemes should set out in a supporting statement the overall social, economic, environmental and health benefits of the proposal.

For more information please see the Local Plan