Policy information sourced from Lewisham Core Strategy

1 Housing provision, mix and affordability

Housing provision across the borough will generally be in accordance with the spatial policies contained in Section 6.

Development should result in no net loss of housing and housing densities will be in accordance with Core Strategy Policy 15.

The Council will seek the maximum provision of affordable housing with a strategic target for 50% affordable housing from all sources. This would equate to approximately 9,082 net new dwellings between 2010/11 and 2025/26.(106)

Contributions to affordable housing will be sought on sites capable of providing 10 or more dwellings. The starting point for negotiations will be a contribution of 50% affordable housing on qualifying sites across the borough. This would be subject to a financial viability assessment.

To ensure a mixed tenure and promote mixed and balanced communities, the affordable housing component is to be provided as 70% social rented and 30% intermediate housing.

The provision of family housing (3+ bedrooms) will be expected as part of any new development with 10 or more dwellings.

All new housing is to be built to Lifetime Homes standards and 10% of all housing are to be wheelchair accessible or easily adapted for those using a wheelchair in accordance with London Plan policy.

The Council will seek an appropriate mix of dwellings within a development, having regard to the following criteria:

  • the physical character of the site or building and its setting
  • the previous or existing use of the site or building
  • access to private gardens or communal garden areas for family dwellings
  • the likely effect on demand for car parking within the area
  • the surrounding housing mix and density of population
  • the location of schools, shops, open space and other infrastructure requirements.

For affordable housing, the Council will seek a mix of 42% as family dwellings (3+ bedrooms) and will have regard to the criteria listed above.

Where a site falls within an area which has existing high concentrations of social rented housing, the Council will seek for any affordable housing contribution to be provided in a way which assists in securing a more balanced social mix. This may include a higher percentage of intermediate housing or other arrangements as considered appropriate.

For more information please see the Core Strategy