Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for the redevelopment of Dorchester Parade, Leigham Court Road, which will see the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of a part five/part six-storey mixed-use development. The approved scheme includes two ground-floor commercial units and 18 residential units on the upper floors, along with communal roof terraces and associated storage facilities.
Despite the development providing 18 new homes, the approved plans include no affordable housing provision. This decision was made following a viability assessment which indicated that the scheme could not currently support on-site affordable housing. The application followed the Viability Tested Route, and viability assessments indicated that the scheme cannot currently support on-site affordable housing. This was based on updated viability evidence which had been independently reviewed. The appraisal demonstrated that the proposed development would generate a negative residual land value, resulting in a deficit against the Benchmark Land Value. This deficit exceeded the target profit included in the appraisal. Sensitivity testing indicated that only under materially improved market conditions (such as an increase in GDV combined with a reduction in build costs) would a surplus potentially be generated. Therefore, 0% affordable housing on-site was accepted as the maximum reasonable provision at the present time.
The scheme is subject to Early-Stage and Late-Stage Viability Reviews secured through a Section 106 deed. An Early-Stage Viability Review will be triggered if the scheme is not implemented within two years of the planning permission being granted. A Late-Stage Viability Review will be triggered when 75% of the residential units are sold or let.
The proposed development includes two ground-floor commercial units (Use Class E). While specific types of businesses are not detailed, the units are described as providing flexible spaces suitable for a wide range of commercial activities, including retail, professional services, food/beverage, and other commercial uses appropriate to a Major Centre. The commercial floor space represents a modest increase compared to the existing floor space.
The development was found to comply with development plan policies, with public benefits including regeneration, housing delivery, and economic activity considered to outweigh any potential negative impacts. The regeneration of the site at 35-37 Leigham Court Road is projected to bring several public benefits, including: developing a highly accessible brownfield site, providing 35% affordable housing, generating jobs during construction, and supporting local businesses and upskilling local residents through on-site activities. The commercial/community building is committed to achieving a 'Very Good' BREEAM rating and on-site energy savings. The development would also be car-free and designed to encourage sustainable transport. Financial contributions and Section 106 obligations would also be secured. The specific metrics for measuring these economic benefits are not detailed.
The design has been praised for its response to the scale and character of the area, including its proximity to conservation areas.
The scheme also includes landscaping and urban greening measures, achieving an Urban Greening Factor of 0.43, exceeding London Plan requirements. Biodiversity net gain is addressed through off-site contributions, as on-site provision fell short of the 10% target.
Read the full report on the Dorchester Parade redevelopment here: PAC report - Leigham Court Road - addition of conditions.1 - Final
Public reports pack Tuesday 28-Apr-2026 19.00 Planning Applications Committee
