Canada Water is an integral part of
the Rotherhithe Peninsular and has particular strengths.
It is an attractive area close to central London and in
which people want to live. There is open space and open
water and improving transport links. Housing
development should build on these strengths.
Riverside Ward is the most popular
location to move to for households wanting to stay in the
area Figures from the Housing Requirements Study indicate
that there is a need for an increased level of good
quality affordable rented housing in the area. It is
anticipated that this should be predominantly rented
homes provided through a registered social landlord from
the current approved list for Section 106 agreements.
It is assumed that at least 50% of the
floor space of new development at Canada Water will be
residential.
All new developments should meet
the Joseph Rowntree Lifetime Homes Standards - on
three storey houses a ground floor double bedroom would
be acceptable rather than the requirement for a living
room. All homes to achieve an energy efficiency rating of
NHER 9 – 9.5. All flats to have balconies.
All new homes should be across the
range of bed sizes. There is a requirement for a high
degree of units of 4 bedrooms & over. Family homes
with gardens are particularly welcome. Some fully
wheelchair accessible units should be provided across all
sectors.
The rents for any new build are to be
affordable i.e. comparable to Council rents.
Affordable housing should form 40%
of any new development. This would consist of 25%
social rented housing and 15% intermediate housing which
could consist of:
a. Low cost home ownership e.g. shared
ownership or shared equity schemes
b. self-contained rented accommodation at
sub market levels targeted at key workers
The use of Social Housing Grant should be
supported to ensure the provision of 40% social housing does not
become uneconomic or unfeasible. The minimum 25% affordable homes
required by planning policy should not attract any public subsidy.
The provision of affordable housing
should wherever possible be made a contractual condition
of Land disposal rather than a planning requirement.
It is anticipated that the type of
any low cost home ownership developed would reflect the
aspirations of local people.
There is a need for investment in
adjoining Council Estates through security and
environmental improvements. Development should be seen as
an opportunity to lever in investment into local housing
estates and there is a need in the area for additional
community facilities particularly for young people.
In relation to private housing
provision the importance of its nature and quality is
stressed. Good practice requires:
a. A range of housing types catering for
families as well as single people or childless couples.
b. High standards of design
c. High standard of energy efficiency
d. Accessibility for people with disability
or mobility problems.
There should be a commonsense and
pragmatic approach to car parking provision. Local people
value the independence offered by having a car and may be
reluctant to give up their car before improved public
transport is in place. The consequences of inadequate
parking provision in new developments for local residents
should be considered.
There should be consultation on the
overall scheme through relevant neighbourhood forums,
tenants and residents organisations. It is anticipated
that the future occupiers of any new build affordable
housing would be involved in consultation over design
issues.