Scheme will be first delivered under GLA’s key worker living rent policy
Developer Bouygues UK has received planning permission for a pilot housing scheme providing 152 affordable homes to key workers in Southwark.
To be delivered on council-owned land, the block will house social workers, teachers, fire-fighters, police and NHS staff in London’s zone one, enabling them to live closer to work and reduce travel times.
The project aims to improve work-life balance for key workers and support recruitment and retention for community services.
Located at the junction of Abbey Street and Druid Street, close to London Bridge and Bermondsey stations, the development will be the first delivered under Southwark Council’s emerging ‘affordable housing supplementary planning guidance’ and the first under the key worker living rent (KWLR) GLA policy.
The homes, designed by architecture firm PRP, will be available to key workers with a combined household annual salary of between £26,000–£75,000 per year.
The wider development also includes a new community centre and improved public spaces and landscaping within a car-free neighbourhood powered by solar energy.
Construction is due to start next year, with completion targeted for 2030.
Under the KWLR product, rents and service charges are capped at 40% of average key worker household income after tax by London borough, increasing each year in line with inflation.
Concerns were raised by housing consultants, developers and providers during the consultation period that the new product would complicate the rental market. In his consultation response, the mayor of London confirmed plans to push ahead with the policy, pledging to start 6,000 KWLR homes by 2030.
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