New Plans for Temporary Housing in South London: Ex-Student Accommodation Set to House Homeless Families
Overview of the Initiative
South London faces a housing crisis. The plan takes a former student residence and changes it into temporary housing for homeless families. The borough has more than 11,000 households on the waiting list as of March 2025. AKA Capability LLP now owns the Mount Clare campus, which used to belong to the University of Roehampton. The proposal aims to work with the community to meet the need.
Background and Initial Refusal
Last September, Wandsworth Council did not accept the first plans for the Mount Clare campus. The council worried about too many Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in one area. They also noted that the site did not have enough public transport nearby. In response, the developer has submitted new plans that try to solve these issues.
Details of the New Proposal
The new plans turn Picasso House and nearby student blocks into 274 rooms for homeless families. Most rooms come with a private bathroom and a small kitchen. In some parts of Picasso House, families will share the kitchen and bathroom. The historic Mount Clare House, which is Grade I listed and dates back to the 18th century, stays unchanged.
A representative from AKA Capability LLP said, "The hostel use of the site is allowed by planning permission, but we want to secure this permission to move ahead quickly with our plans." This sentence shows the team’s resolve to fix and care for the buildings for future residents.
Addressing Council Concerns
The new file shows that the site already had approval for hostel use from 1957. This past decision may help the new plan. The papers say that the building needs close care because it has lost its shape over time. By turning it into temporary housing, the team wants to fix and care for the structure so that it stays safe for many users.
What Happens Next?
Wandsworth Council will check these new plans before giving a final decision. London needs more safe and affordable homes. This plan uses an old building for a new role while keeping its history intact. With a growing waiting list, many families may soon get a better place to live. The project may also affect future work on Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the area. Local councils now think more about the needs of at-risk groups.
Conclusion
The plan to change the Mount Clare campus into temporary housing shows a strong step to help homeless families in South London. With the waiting list growing and existing sites in poor shape, it is good to see efforts made to fix the problem. As Wandsworth Council studies the plan, many who follow housing policy will watch closely, wondering what this means for the future of temporary homes and local rules.
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