Policy information sourced from Lambeth Local Plan 2020-2035

H8: Housing to meet specific community needs

  • The council will support the provision of housing to meet specific community needs, across a range of tenures, where it is demonstrated that the accommodation:
    • would meet an identified local need;
    • will be suitable for the intended occupiers in terms of the standard of facilities, the level of independence, and the provision of support and/ or care;
    • is of a high design quality, relevant to client needs, including inclusive design and provision of internal and external space;
    • will be accessible to public transport, shops, services, community facilities and social networks appropriate to the needs of the intended occupiers;
    • makes adequate provision for parking for visiting health and care professionals and, where appropriate, for the safe storage of wheelchairs and mobility scooters, in accordance with London Plan policy H13B;
    • is on a site and in a location suitable for that particular use, having regard to amenity, transport and other environmental impacts; and
    • contributes to creating a mixed, balanced and inclusive community.
  • The loss of existing housing which meets identified specific community needs will be resisted unless it can be demonstrated that:
    • the accommodation is no longer needed and the new accommodation will instead meet another identified priority local need; or
    • the existing floorspace will be adequately re-provided to an equivalent or better standard on-site or elsewhere in the borough.
  • The council will support and encourage proposals which provide adaptations enabling residents to live independently and safely in their own homes.
  • The council will support new specialist older persons’ housing as defined in London Plan policy H13, where it meets identified need. The requirements of London Plan policy H13B will apply and applicants for specialist older persons’ housing should demonstrate how the design will address the needs of people with dementia and other long-term health conditions.

For more information please see the Local Plan