The homes, which will be allocated to people on Southwark’s housing waiting list, form part of a larger Over-Station Development at Southwark Tube station.
Southwark Council has approved plans for 44 new social rent homes alongside a community hall on the Styles House Estate, marking a major step forward in delivering much-needed housing for local residents. The homes, which will be allocated to people on Southwark’s housing waiting list, form part of a larger Over-Station Development at Southwark Tube station.
The project is being delivered by a joint venture between Places for London, Transport for London’s property company, and central London developer Helical. Alongside the new council homes, the development will also include 429 purpose-built student rooms. The inclusion of affordable homes comes as a direct result of Southwark Council’s planning policies, which require student housing developments not led by a university to contribute to the borough’s social housing stock.
The council intends to formally acquire the 44 new homes, integrating them into the existing Styles House Estate. This plan replaces earlier proposals for a smaller development of 25 council homes, which were put on hold in 2023 due to changes in fire safety regulations.
Planning permission for the scheme was granted last week, and the council’s intention to secure the homes—without any cost to the Housing Revenue Account—will be confirmed at a Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
The Southwark Council intends to formally acquire the 44 new homes, integrating them into the existing Styles House Estate.
Cllr Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development, welcomed the decision, saying:
“We want decent homes for everyone in Southwark, and I’m delighted that this project has been given the green light. These 44 much-needed council homes will make a real difference to people on our housing waiting list.
“I’m particularly pleased that we’ve been able to find a creative solution, using our planning policies to turn a challenging situation into a positive one. Not only will we provide more social housing, but we’ll also see improvements to the existing estate and the wider area. I look forward to building work getting underway soon.”
Scott Anderson, Head of Property Development at Places for London, also expressed enthusiasm about the approval, stating:
“It’s fantastic news to have received the green light for our over-station development at Southwark. Designed to complement the station’s architectural heritage while meeting high sustainability standards, this project will deliver real benefits for Londoners.
“We are proud to be creating much-needed new homes, improving public spaces, and helping to ease pressure on the local housing market. In addition to the council homes, the student accommodation will also support the area’s growing demand for high-quality living spaces. This development will bring a new community garden, children’s play areas, and retail spaces, making a positive impact on the neighbourhood.”
Construction on the new development is expected to begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2028. The project is set to bring lasting benefits to both current and future residents, ensuring that Southwark continues to provide high-quality, affordable housing for those most in need.
