New flats to house homeless people in Lewisham
A run-down former hostel is to be demolished to make way for flats.
The three-storey building with six flats at 118 Canonbie Road, Forest Hill, would be used as temporary accommodation for homeless families, according to Lewisham council.
A two-storey vacant building at the site, previously a hostel, will be demolished if the proposals are approved by councillors at a planning meeting on Thursday (January 9).
There are currently more than 7,000 homeless people in Lewisham, the equivalent of one in 43.
A report by planning officers said: “The proposed development forms part of Lewisham council’s programme to deliver 1,000 new genuinely affordable council homes across the borough by 2022.
“Providing housing, particularly affordable housing, is a current policy priority to tackle the housing crisis in the borough and wider London.”
The plans also include 12 cycle spaces and a large shared garden – bur neighbours fear the lack of parking could put pressure on resident spaces.
But officers say the applicants will submit a travel plan, adding: “It will encourage and support the use of sustainable transport at the application site.”
An independent parking survey had shown a capacity for on-street parking within 200m of the site “to accommodate any parking demand generated by the development”.
The homes offered ad affordably housing are not affordable…Iwork and could not afford the over 55 new built flats in catford…£260 per week just for rent alone for a 1 bedroom flat. Most of the tenants are on housing benefits.. ..eith rents that high no wonder people wont work.