Block of flats 14 storeys high will replace old Stockwell pub

By Robert Firth, local democracy reporter

A former pub will be bulldozed to make way for more than 100 new homes overlooking a South London Park.

Lambeth Council approved plans for the development across three sites near to Larkhall Park in Stockwell.

The old pub, now used as a tree surgeon’s office, will be replaced with two blocks of flats – the tallest 14 floors high. A total of 96 apartments will be created across the two blocks.

Eight terraced homes will be built nearby, all of which will be available at council rent. A seven-storey block containing 23 flats will be constructed on a third site close to the park – one of the flats in the block will be reserved at council rent. A further 31 of the new apartments will be available at London affordable rent, which is designed for people on low-incomes.

The houses are being developed by Lambeth Council’s housing company, Homes for Lambeth. Kevin Butler, development manager at Homes For Lambeth, said the new houses would transform the local area.

Speaking at the meeting on March 29, he said: “In discussion with local community groups, the council approved that the three Larkhall sites could be comprehensively redeveloped to transform and improve the areas of environment and bring long-term social and financial benefits to the area.

“The scheme includes a community space, replacement employment space and residents’ working space. The delivery of these much-needed new homes will also provide significant economic benefits through the provision of new jobs, training and apprenticeship schemes for local residents.”

Joe Dharampal-Hornby, local resident and Lambeth Labour candidate, said the development would stop families living in run-down homes.

He said: “I regularly speak with local residents and time and again I hear the terrible circumstances that families in temporary accommodation live in. Damp, mouldy and cramped homes are sadly all too common.

“Here in Lambeth, we have 30,000 people on the council’s housing waiting list. Those families need new homes urgently. I’m delighted to see Homes for Lambeth bring these much needed proposals forward.”

Homes for Lambeth will pay £50,000 to give the entrance to Larkhall Park a facelift as part of the plans. Councillors approved the new homes unanimously at a planning meeting on March 29.