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Lambeth Council has approved plans to increase the height and density of a near-ongoing residential development at Shakespeare Road, despite significant local objections over potential overshadowing and reduced daylight for neighbouring residents. The scheme now includes 278 homes, with a greater emphasis on affordable housing, as part of the borough\u2019s wider push to meet urgent housing needs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Lambeth Council\u2019s Planning Applications Committee has approved plans to increase the number of homes in an existing development near Loughborough Junction and Herne Hill by 60 units. The developer, Legal & General (L&G), originally received planning consent for 218 homes in December 2021 on a site east of Shakespeare Road. The approved revision increases the total to 278 homes, with some buildings rising by one to four additional storeys, including a block reaching up to eleven storeys.<\/p>\n
Council planning officers highlighted that the proposals would bring a \u201crange of public benefits,\u201d primarily through delivering a \u201csignificant\u201d contribution towards housing and affordable housing on an otherwise underused brownfield site. The affordable housing portion will increase from 67 to 85 homes, making up 35% of the total, and will comprise 52 social rent homes and 33 intermediate shared ownership properties. This aligns with Lambeth\u2019s wider objective under its New Homes Programme to deliver a minimum of 600 new affordable homes on council-owned land by 2030, with a focus on social rent to address the acute housing crisis in the borough.<\/p>\n
The site where the development will take place was formerly a waste transfer station but has remained mostly vacant since a serious fire in August 2023 led to the demolition of the existing structure. The project aims to replace this with a higher-density residential development that respects the local character of Shakespeare Road and its surroundings. The design includes central landscaped gardens with secure, pedestrian-only spaces and fully accessible amenity and play areas for residents, echoing aims to create a quality living environment.<\/p>\n
However, the revised plans have met with notable public resistance. During consultation, out of 119 responses, only five supported the development, while 112 expressed objections, including a petition from 29 households at Kerin House, a nearby residential building. Residents voiced concerns at the committee meeting, criticising insufficient consultation by L&G and highlighting the adverse impact the increased height and bulk would have on their living conditions. They warn the tallest block, Block C, could overshadow Kerin House and significantly reduce daylight, worsening existing light deficits in surrounding properties.<\/p>\n
Councillor Paul Valentine, speaking on behalf of local residents, underscored these worries, urging the committee to consider objections related to the light and overshadowing issues. Despite these concerns, L&G\u2019s Head of Residential Development, Stephen Murden, assured the committee that the homes would be built to high standards of energy efficiency and thermal and acoustic performance, fitted with heat pumps and designed to ensure long-term value and comfort. He emphasised their commitment to being a responsible landlord who would maintain a strong presence and partnership with the community.<\/p>\n
Lambeth\u2019s decision reflects a broader trend within the borough to maximise housing delivery on available land, often involving increased building heights to meet pressing demand. Planning officers stated that the higher density scheme makes more efficient use of the brownfield site and supports borough-wide housing targets. The approval follows other significant housing initiatives in Lambeth, such as the community-led Somerleyton Road Phase 2 development in Brixton, which received unanimous support and includes a notable share of affordable homes.<\/p>\n
Construction on the Shakespeare Road site is expected to begin early in 2026, subject to the council\u2019s support. The planning committee\u2019s vote was decisive, with five councillors in favour and one against, reflecting the complex balance between meeting housing needs and addressing community concerns in one of London\u2019s rapidly evolving boroughs.<\/p>\n