Project
Community-led homes approved on Elim Estate

Posted on 14 September 2023

Building new homes on inner city infill sites isn’t a simple matter.

No matter how sensitively or carefully considered the design proposal, there is invariably an impact; on daylight, on open space, on trees or car parking. Particularly within existing estates where residents can be vulnerable, often without a choice of where they live, the consequences have to be carefully balanced with the urgent need to provide homes. These considerations are not black and white.

The 34 new homes in two buildings on the Elim Estate constitutes the third project undertaken by us for Leathermarket CBS, an organization set up by the local community to provide genuinely affordable homes for local residents. Despite broad support there have been challenges. Nevertheless, we’re pleased that the importance of these low-energy social rent homes in addressing the 17,000 waiting list for new homes in Southwark was recognized by the planning committee and granted unanimous consent.