Policy information sourced from Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035

H5: Housing standards

  • Proposals for new residential development, including new-build dwellings, conversions and change-of-use schemes where new dwellings are created, should accord with the principles of good design and will be expected to:
    • provide dual-aspect accommodation, unless exceptional circumstances are demonstrated;
    • meet the minimum private internal space standards set out in London Plan policy D6; and
    • meet the requirements for accessible housing in London Plan policy D7.
  • The council will require at least the following level of external amenity space for all residential units.
    • For new houses, 30m2 private amenity space per house should generally be provided.
    • For new flatted developments, amenity space should be provided to the following quantities: 10m2 per flat either as a balcony/terrace/ private garden or consolidated with communal amenity space; and for development of 10 or more residential units a further 50m2 per scheme of communal amenity space.
    • Houses, ground-floor flats, and family-sized units should preferably have direct access to a private garden.
    • For non-self-contained accommodation, external amenity space of 50m2 for developments up to 100 occupants should be provided, with a further 0.5m2 per each additional occupant.
  • Communal amenity space should:
    • receive natural light;
    • be screened from parking areas;
    • be designed to be inclusive for all users;
    • be overlooked by habitable rooms to ensure safety and surveillance;
    • incorporate sustainable landscape principles and practices, including effective water management, efficient energy use, use of sustainable materials, and promotion of biodiversity and, where appropriate, food growing;
    • be accessible to all residents of the development, irrespective of tenure;
    • be designed to support an appropriate balance of informal social activity and play opportunities for various age groups and;
    • have a landscape, management and maintenance plan.
  • The council will follow the approach to play space set out in London Plan policy S4 and associated Supplementary Planning Guidance. Play areas should be inclusive and accessible to all residents of the development irrespective of tenure.

For more information please see the Local Plan