Brixton regeneration scheme gets planning green light

London Borough of Lambeth’s flagship regeneration scheme, Somerleyton Road in Brixton, has received planning committee approval to be awarded planning consent.

Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design have acted as planning consultants for the scheme, which consists of five new buildings and the refurbishment of Carlton Mansions in central Brixton. The proposals will deliver 304 rented homes (50% affordable), a variety of community facilities and workspace, and a new purpose-built home for the Ovalhouse Theatre.

The full planning application was submitted in September, and won committee approval in December.

Hilary Satchwell, director of Tibbalds, said: “This project is a great example of using the planning application process as a tool for delivery – especially for a proposal on public land. A community vision inspired the planning application, and the plans have made sure that Brixton’s distinct character, which lies at the heart of the local community, is protected and enhanced.”

“Where the Somerleyton Road scheme is particularly interesting is the way that it approaches mixed and flexible tenure homes for a wide range of people and embeds this into planning. The proposals will bring to life the currently inactive side of a long street, close to the town centre and has the potential to be a real asset to the community.”

London Borough of Lambeth appointed a team of five architects led by Metropolitan Workshop as lead masterplan architect. Haworth Tompkins, Mæ Architects, Foster Wilson and Zac Monro Architects and Gross Max completed the team.

The consent is due to be issued subject to legal agreements being signed, and work is expected to start in 2016.