London developer Aitch Group is expected to develop a large student scheme in Deptford, SE8, after winning consent for two competing use classes.
Lewisham Council debated two almost identical schemes this week: an older application for residential lodged in 2018 and fresh proposals for student housing, submitted last year.
During the committee, Aitch Group’s head of planning, Nick Lawrence, said: “We appreciate this is very unusual to have two planning applications for the same site going to the same planning committee.”
The two schemes pitched for the one-acre site on Trundleys Road were designed by Formation Architects, both proposing 23,600 sq ft of light industrial, with two buildings of up to 15 storeys. The residential proposed 189 homes, the student 393 student bedrooms from Tribe Student Housing and 58 flats.
Lawrence said: “When we submitted the first planning application for the site for the residential proposals we had an agreement with the landowner to ensure a mixed-use scheme with conventional residential accommodation.
“During the time that the application took to progress we were approached by the university as this is a great location for student accommodation. For this reason we are also proposing a mixed-use scheme including PBSA as this gives us the opportunity to secure a potential alternative to residential and also delivers more affordable housing.
“As time has gone by, the market has changed and we favour the student scheme, as both the student and the affordable can be prelet, providing us with a better exit strategy in what is a very difficult market.”
The student scheme proposed 54% affordable housing against 37% in the residential scheme.
However, the two viability assessments estimate very little difference in costs and value, with a £57m resi scheme in 2018 versus a £59m student scheme three years later. The delays came as the Aitch sought to unlock SIL for development.
Lawrence added: “We appreciate this is a strange situation, but not unheard of, given the amount of time taken and the effort invested in seeking planning permission for the development of the site.”
The eight councillors unanimously voted in favour of the student scheme, highlighting the value of higher education support in aid of social mobility. They also unanimously approved the residential scheme.
The schemes will go to the Mayor of London for the final approvals.
