Controversial 'Pocket' Home Development Proposed for Streatham
A former synagogue and public car park in South London could be demolished to make way for a new residential development featuring some of the smallest homes legally permitted in the capital. Developer Pocket Living has submitted plans to Lambeth Council to build 92 new properties at 35-37 Leigham Court Road in Streatham, a site that also includes land to the west and rear of 39-49 Leigham Court Road.
The proposed development includes one-bedroom 'pocket' homes measuring just 38 square metres, a mere one square metre above the national legal minimum space standard for a single occupant. The synagogue on the site has been closed since 2021, though another synagogue, the South London Liberal Synagogue, operates less than a mile away.
Affordable Housing and Public Reaction
Pocket Living, established in 2005, specialises in building what it describes as well-designed, affordable homes for renters and first-time buyers, typically offered at 80% of the local market value. The Streatham scheme proposes a mix of housing: 15 social rented homes, 31 discount market rent homes, and 46 private homes.
According to council documents, the project would deliver 35% 'affordable' housing by habitable room. Nine of the homes are planned to be wheelchair accessible. The discount market rent units, branded as 'Pocket Rent Homes', are the 38sqm one-bed properties designed for a single person.
The development has generated significant local debate. During the public consultation, the plans received 44 responses in support and 43 objections. Supporters praised the provision of affordable and social housing, while objectors criticised the development's quality and argued the affordable housing provision was insufficient.
Decision Date and Project Details
Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has been recommended to approve the plans at a meeting scheduled for November 18. If approved, the development will consist of four buildings ranging from three to six storeys in height.
Planning officers have stated the development would provide "a good-quality environment for future occupiers" and that the accommodation was well designed with unit sizes complying with policy. This project follows the delivery of more than 125 pocket homes for first-time buyers across three other sites in Lambeth.
