Peabody gets green light for nearly 2,000 homes at South Thamesmead

Peabody has been granted outline planning permission to build 1,950 homes as part of its South Thamesmead regeneration project.

Bexley council’s planning committee approved the plans which include a minimum of 35% affordable housing and 3,225 square metres of commercial floor space along with landscaping and public open space.

The plans, to redevelop the Lesnes Estate, make up phases three to seven of Peabody’s 3,000-home South Thamesmead regeneration plan, under which existing homes are being demolished.

Matthew Foulis, project director Thamesmead for Peabody, said: “Bexley Council’s decision takes us yet another step closer to improving the quality of life for residents in South Thamesmead. As well as benefiting from new, high quality, energy-efficient homes close to the Elizabeth line, residents can also look forward to new facilities and more attractive, welcoming and accessible open spaces on their doorstep.

The affordable units will be split with 54% for social or affordable rent and 46% for intermediate. This is lower than Bexley’s current policy requirement for a 70%/30% split. However the planning report said the mix is “considered acceptable” in the context of Peabody’s wider redevelopment in south Thamesmead.

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Phase one of South Thamesmead is due to complete next month. It includes 534 new homes, a new public square library with community facilities, commercial space and public areas. Phase two will provide a further 329 new homes next to Southmere Lake of which 42 per cent will be affordable. Peabody submitted a detailed planning application for this phase to Bexley Council earlier in 2022, with a view to breaking ground in 2023 subject to planning approval.

The South Thamesmead regeneration in the borough of Bexley is separate from the housing association’s 11,500-home development plans for Thamesmead waterfront, which is situated over the border in Greenwich.