Roehampton Library redevelopment gets green light for 55 affordable homes

Wandsworth Council's Planning Applications Committee has granted approval for the redevelopment of Roehampton Library and its surrounding area, paving the way for 55 new affordable homes. The project, which also includes a new community hub, youth centre, council offices, and a healthcare facility, was discussed and approved at a committee meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

The hybrid planning application encompassed the demolition of existing buildings on Roehampton Lane, Danebury Avenue, and Holybourne Avenue to make way for two new buildings. The larger, nine-storey residential building will provide the 55 affordable homes, all designated for social rent. The second building, a four-storey community hub, will house a replacement library, a youth centre, council offices, and a healthcare facility, specifically a GP surgery. The report notes that the proposed replacement of the GP surgery would need to be operational before the existing facility is demolished.

Extensive community engagement was undertaken as part of the planning process, with various council services expressing support for the proposed community hub. The report detailed planning considerations including the principle of development, housing provision, design, public realm, landscaping, ecology, heritage impacts, residential amenity, transport, waste management, sustainability, safety, and fire safety.

Key benefits highlighted include the provision of 100% social rent homes, a net increase of 45 affordable homes on the site, and a consolidated community hub designed to meet diverse local needs. The development also aims for a BREEAM Outstanding rating for the community hub and a BRE Home Quality Mark for the residential building, incorporating features such as communal air source heat pumps, PV panels, and rainwater harvesting.

Regarding the integration and relocation of library services, the application proposes the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of new ones to provide a replacement library. The development will re-provide and offer an uplift in floor space for the existing community uses, including Roehampton Library. A condition is recommended to prevent the closure of the existing library until the new facility is completed and open to the public. However, detailed plans for the integration and relocation of services during construction were not provided.

While the demolition of 11 trees was noted, the scheme includes the replanting of 51 new trees. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement. The report acknowledged that the proposed development would give rise to impacts on the daylight and sunlight levels reaching neighbouring residential properties. However, regarding privacy, the proposed buildings are mainly oriented away from neighbouring residential properties, with significant separation distances to the west elevation of St Joseph's Church and the flank wall of 31A Danebury Avenue. The residential building's footprint has been oriented towards Holybourne Avenue to respect the outlook of Hersham Close properties, and tree planting on the south side of the site is intended to limit overlooking. ¹