Synagogue and Car Park Set for Major Residential Transformation
A prominent site in Streatham, South London, currently home to a former synagogue and a car park, is poised for a significant transformation. Developer Pocket Living has submitted a detailed proposal to Lambeth Council that would see the existing structures at 35-37 Leigham Court Road demolished to make way for a new residential development comprising 92 units.
The scheme, which was submitted for approval and reported on in November 2025, has sparked a local debate, narrowly dividing public opinion during its consultation phase.
A Mix of Affordable and Private 'Pocket' Living
True to its name, Pocket Living has specialised in creating compact, affordable homes, and this project is no exception. The proposed development features a mixed-tenure plan designed to address housing needs in the area.
The breakdown of the 92 units is as follows:
- 15 social rented units
- 31 discount market rent homes
- 46 private homes
The discount market rent units, branded as 'Pocket Rent Homes', are one-bedroom properties intended for single occupancy. Each of these compact apartments will have an internal floor area of 38 square metres. This measurement is just one square metre above the general government minimum space standard for a one-bedroom home for a single person, which is typically 39sqm. The standard allows for a reduction to 37sqm if a shower room is installed instead of a full bathroom.
The private homes, called 'Pocket Sharer' homes, are designed to be larger and include en-suite bathrooms. A key feature of these units is the inclusion of shared communal spaces, such as living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas, which are intended to encourage social interaction among residents.
Accessibility and a Divided Community Response
The development plan also addresses accessibility, with nine homes specifically designed to be fully wheelchair accessible.
However, the project has not been met with universal acclaim. A public consultation on the plans revealed a community almost perfectly split on the issue. There were 44 submissions in support of the project, with many praising its contribution to much-needed affordable housing in Lambeth.
In contrast, 43 submissions expressed concerns, primarily focusing on the quality of the affordable homes being offered and the implications of living in such compact spaces.
Despite this divided response, Lambeth Council's own planning officers have assessed the design. They affirmed that the proposal “offers a good-quality environment for future occupiers” and confirmed that it complies with the council's specific policy requirements on space.
The final decision now rests with the council's Planning Applications Committee, which is scheduled to review the plans later this month. If approved, the development will see the construction of four buildings ranging from three to six storeys high. The project also includes plans for new green spaces and community facilities, aiming to create a more integrated and pleasant environment for future residents and the wider Streatham community.
