Council approves Heygate estate plans

The council’s planning committee also gave the go-ahead to plans outlining a £1.5 billion regeneration of Elephant and Castle by developers Lend Lease.

Of the 2,469 homes created by the development, a minimum of 25 per cent will be affordable. This falls below the 35 per cent requirement set by the council, prompting protests by a campaign group at last night’s planning meeting.

Southwark Council says that making 35 per cent of the new homes affordable would not be financially viable.

As part of the plans, the Heygate estate, built in 1974, will be demolished to make way for new homes, shops, and community facilities. The development will also create a new park, incorporating 124 of the estate’s trees.

Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, said: ‘The planning committee’s decision to approve the master plan and endorse our vision for Elephant and Castle is a watershed moment for the borough.

‘We now have the opportunity, working with local people and our partners Lend Lease, to continue the transformation of the area as a place where people want to live, work, shop and relax.’

Steve McCann, Lend Lease group chief executive officer and managing director, said: ‘The approval of our master plan sets in motion our long-term plans and our commitment to the region.’

In November planning permission was granted for One The Elephant, a 37-storey residential building that will include 284 homes. It is scheduled to be completed in 2016.

The whole regeneration, including the redevelopment of the Heygate Estate, will be finished by 2025.