South London: transport changes for Roehampton's Lennox Estate in plans for new homes

Wandsworth Council is proposing to build 81 homes across two new blocks on the Lennox Estate, in Roehampton, under its Homes for Wandsworth scheme.

The council confirmed plans to develop the estate as part of the scheme in February, which it recently said is on track to deliver 1,000 new council homes by 2029. It put forward initial proposals for one of the apartment blocks to reach 18 storeys in height, which residents opposed for being too tall.

The authority has now published revised proposals for the estate, which would see two apartment blocks built facing the green space at its centre. The height of the tallest building has been slashed to 14 storeys, while a six-storey block is also proposed.

The proposed 14-storey building would have 56 homes, while the six-storey block would have 25 homes. A total of 58 per cent of the new homes would be family homes for four people or more, while 10 per cent of the homes would be designed for wheelchair users.

The estate would undergo major transport changes under the plans, with the section of Arabella Drive that runs around the northern and western edge of the site removed to make way for the lower block. A new one-way road along Ludovick Walk would connect with the remaining section of Arabella Drive.

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A parking regulation scheme is proposed to only allow existing residents to park on the estate, with 346 bays to meet current demand. Existing households could apply for four parking permits and one visitor permit each, free of charge. Ten accessible bays for existing residents and nine more for new residents would be provided across the estate, along with one car club vehicle in a designated bay for new households.

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The games court would be moved and new play areas added, including outdoor gym equipment, while a forecourt at the entrance to the estate from Upper Richmond Road would be added. A new ‘pocket park’ would also be created behind the taller proposed block. Six trees would be cut down to make way for the development, with 98 new trees planted – an overall increase of 92 trees.

The council held an event on November 26 to inform residents of the latest plans. It is running an online survey to gather their feedback, before finalising the proposals and submitting a formal planning application next year.

Labour councillor Aydin Dikerdem, cabinet member for housing, said: “A safe and secure home is the foundation for a good life, and the Homes for Wandsworth programme aims to deliver a fairer and more compassionate borough for everyone.

“The plans for 81 new homes on the Lennox Estate include nine wheelchair accessible homes and will prioritise local residents who are currently in overcrowded or under-occupied households, or anyone with a priority need for housing and on the waiting list.

“Alongside this, we will also deliver improved pedestrian access to Upper Richmond Road, tackle longstanding parking issues for residents, and create a new pocket park with play areas along with a rejuvenated brook.

“We have worked closely with residents and used their feedback to evolve these proposals. We will continue to do so as we develop plans to bring much needed high-quality new homes and community amenities to the Lennox Estate.”