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20 October 2008
A resolution to grant planning permission* has been received for an important mixed-use project in Catford, South East London which is part of the London-Wide Initiative (LWI), a Government-backed scheme to fast-track more affordable homes for key workers throughout London. The project, led by development partners Countryside Properties and Hyde Housing Association (part of the Hyde Group) in association with English Partnerships, is intended to transform the former Catford Greyhound Stadium site into a thriving new community of 590 homes.
The 4.25 hectare site, located to the west of Catford town centre, was closed in 2003. National regeneration agency English Partnerships acquired the land as part of the LWI.
The development partners have worked closely with leading architects, Hunters & Partners and planning consultants Savills to develop the plans for 590 homes, ranging from one and two bedroom apartments to three and four bedroom family homes. 35% of these will be affordable properties and a further 22% will offer low cost key worker accommodation.
A new pedestrian square with around 700 sq m of shops and offices will create a new station gateway for visitors coming into Catford Bridge railway station. A striking “Gateway” building is proposed to create a strong physical edge to the scheme whilst encouraging people through to the currently underused park.
A new footbridge will be constructed across the railway line and pedestrian and cycle routes will be extended through the scheme into the parkland to the north and across the footbridge to the east in order to link the existing community directly to the town centre in Catford.
The development partners have worked together to create a sustainable scheme which has been designed to be self-sufficient and consists of a CHP (Combined Heat & Power) Energy Centre with biomass back-up, which would provide all of the heat and power required for the entire development.
* Subject to the signing of a Section 106 agreement.
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Notes to editors
The Hyde Group is a leading provider of affordable housing and makes a significant contribution to meeting housing needs and improving people’s quality of life. Hyde is one of the largest housing association groups working in England, owning or managing over 30,000 homes in London, Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, the East of England and East Midlands. More about The Hyde Group can be found at: www.hyde-housing.co.uk
English Partnerships is the government’s national regeneration agency delivering high quality, sustainable growth in England. Information on projects and programmes can be found at www.englishpartnerships.co.uk
English Partnerships and the Housing Corporation are working with the Department for Communities and Local Government to establish the Homes and Communities Agency.
The London-Wide Initiative (LWI) is a government-backed scheme managed by English Partnerships which enables key workers to buy their own homes. English Partnerships has purchased range of 15 development sites across inner and greater London to deliver new, affordable homes in collaboration with the Housing Corporation. Under the Initiative the government shares the costs and the benefits of homeownership with purchasers in order to make these homes more affordable.
The LWI will deliver up to 4,500 homes of which around 1,500 will be available for key workers. Three development partners have been selected to work with English Partnerships; First Base, Key London Alliance and a consortium led by Countryside Properties plc.
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Information correct as at 20/10/2008