Lambeth Council has approved plans for 46 new social rent homes as part of a wider development at 12-20 Wyvil Road in Vauxhall, significantly increasing the affordable housing provision on-site.

The decision was made by the Planning Applications Committee on Tuesday 22 September 2026, following a review of several planning applications. The Wyvil Road development, a Section 73 application, sought to vary conditions attached to an existing planning permission. This application aimed to allow for an uplift of 69 homes, bringing the total number of homes in the wider development to 347. The amended proposal includes an enhanced affordable housing offer, with 70 affordable homes to be provided on-site: 46 social rent units and 24 intermediate homes.

Aerial view of the Citadel Place redevelopment project in London, showcasing modern residential towers and the River Thames in the background.
Aerial view of the Citadel Place redevelopment project in London, showcasing modern residential towers and the River Thames in the background.

This represents a significant increase in affordable housing compared to the original permission, which included 23 affordable rented homes and a payment in lieu of £10.5 million (index linked) for intermediate housing. The nature of this payment in lieu was to compensate for the lack of on-site intermediate housing. Councillors highlighted the importance of this provision in addressing the borough's housing needs.

The Section 73 application also involved design refinements, revised building footprints, changes to materials, additional staircases for fire safety, a revised energy strategy, reduced basement provision, and changes to access arrangements. The total number of market-rate units in the development is 277.

During the meeting, concerns were raised by objectors regarding the potential impact of the development's height and massing on daylight and sunlight for existing residents. Specifically, objectors argued that the proposed development would lead to significant light loss, exceeding BRE guidance, and that the applicant's assessments were flawed. Assessments acknowledged 'some daylight and sunlight losses' for existing properties including The Dumont, Merano Residences, and The Corniche, but these were deemed acceptable within the dense urban context of Vauxhall. The benefits of the development, particularly the provision of social rent homes, were weighed against these concerns.

Comparison of approved and proposed height and scale for the Citadel Place development, showcasing the visual impact of the new buildings.
Comparison of approved and proposed height and scale for the Citadel Place development, showcasing the visual impact of the new buildings.

Ultimately, the committee voted to grant conditional planning permission for the Wyvil Road development with a vote of six in favour and one against. The decision was influenced by the increased on-site affordable housing, the pragmatic approach to deliverability, and positive engagement with residents.

More information on the meeting can be found in the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.