Build to rent controversy: multi-billion pound Elephant & Castle regeneration in disarray in row over 'affordable' housing
The multi-billion pound regeneration of Elephant & Castle has been thrown into disarray in a row over affordable homes for first-time buyers and low income families.
Developer Delancey had set aside just 33 homes for families on Southwark Council’s waiting list out of the almost 1,000 rental properties it plans to build to replace Elephant & Castle’s shabby shopping centre.
And on Tuesday the council’s planning committee threw out the proposal, which would have seen the eyesore Sixties mall and the neighbouring London College of Communication demolished and replaced by a new shopping centre, a cinema, and 979 new flats.
Though about a third of the homes were to be offered at discount rates to local people, concerns were raised when it emerged that households earning up to £90,000 would be eligible to take advantage of the offer.
Jerry Flynn, of campaign group 35 Per Cent, which promotes affordable housing in Southwark, argued that there is no firm evidence of demand for a major “build to rent” scheme in the area, and pointed out that the majority of the “affordable” homes would be out of reach of pensioners and low-income workers.
Locals also raised concerns about the fate of market traders and shopkeepers based in the current shopping centre, many of whom have worked there for years.
Work on the new shopping centre, very much the centrepiece of the regeneration of Elephant & Castle, was to have started this year.
Now the developer will need to return to the drawing board.
Speaking before the meeting Southwark council’s regeneration chief Mark Williams insisted: “We have worked very hard to secure as much of the lower rents as possible for our residents.”
But, he said, he respected the planning committee’s decision to throw it out. “We understand the strong feelings of many local people, particularly regarding affordable housing and business space, as these are priorities that the council shares.
"We remain committed to finding a solution for a new shopping centre that works for everyone.”