Work to start on controversial 16-storey tower that will ‘dominate’ South London skyline
By Grainne Cuffe, local democracy reporter
Work is set to start on a controversial £85 million development in Loughborough Junction in autumn.
Peabody Housing has planned 134 flats and office space on Higgs Yard, a former industrial estate.
The build will stand 16 storeys high upon completion.
It marks the biggest development in the area since the 1950s when Loughborough Estate was built.
Nearly half the flats will be rented as affordable, with 28 at 75 per cent of market rent and 38 shared-ownership.
About 4,000sqm of the development will be used for office space.
The site, near Loughborough Junction station, is currently vacant. The previous industrial buildings were flattened in 2016.
The new plans were rubber stamped by a Lambeth planning committee in December, 2020, despite some local opposition.
More than 120 people objected to the plans online, mainly with building height concerns.
Four local groups, as well Historic England, said the 16-storey tower would be out of character in the area and would “dominate” its surroundings.
The Brixton Society, Herne Hill Society, Loughborough Junction Action Group and Camberwell Society have all objected to the plans on the grounds of “gross overdevelopment”, potentially ruined views, and the already busy nearby station.
Peabody announced on August 23 that it has hired construction company Durkan to build the development.
Work is set to start in autumn and finish in early 2024.
Tom Williamson, senior development manager at Peabody, said: “We are pleased that we can provide more affordable homes in Lambeth and this scheme reaffirms our commitment to our social purpose, to provide good quality homes for those who need them most.
“This development will not only create new homes, but it will provide new commercial space, which can be for retail or office use, revitalising the area and providing new spaces for the community.”
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