Planning approval for 32 new homes to be built by Meridian Home Start was given by the Royal Borough of Greenwich Planning Board last week (Thursday 6 July).

In May approval was given by the Royal Borough's Cabinet to transfer three pieces of land to Meridian Home Start (MHS) so that they can take forward building new affordable homes in the Royal Borough. Across the sites transferred to Meridian, 35 per cent will be designed for families.

Planning approved for 32 new homes in Charlton

Sandpit Place in Charlton, SE7, is the second of the three sites to be transferred to MHS and to receive planning approval. The Board approved MHS' planning application to build two one-bed and 30 two-bed homes at a disused council site at Sandpit Place, with parking and cycling provision. The first site to be approved was at Rochester Way in Eltham. Together the two sites will deliver 62 new homes.

The Sandpit Place development has the specific aim of providing accommodation for young people who are struggling to make the first step on the housing market and the scheme has been designed to meet their needs, which will be one and two bedroom units. The rents will be blended rent levels set at or below local market rent levels, which would give occupants the financial opportunity to be able to save for a deposit to purchase their own home in time.

Helping young people onto the property ladder

Councillor Denise Hyland, Leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: "It is well reported that young people across the capital are struggling to find a home of their own in the current housing market, and so I am delighted that this approval means that young people in our borough will finally be able to have an opportunity to have a home of their own under this scheme."

Work to begin by the end of the year

The development will consist of three rows of back-to-back terraced houses, separated by two pedestrian mews, with the buildings ranging from two to three storeys in height. Twelve on-street car spaces will be provided along with the provision of 64 cycle spaces for residents. Four of the units will be accessible/wheelchair homes.

It is expected that demolition will commence in due course, with first ground works anticipated to take place before the end of the year. New residents are expected to be in their new homes in time for Christmas 2018.