Major Redevelopment Gets Green Light Despite Height Concerns
After years of decline, the derelict Leegate Shopping Centre in Lee Green, Lewisham, will finally be demolished and replaced with a major new development featuring 620 homes, following unanimous approval from Lewisham Council's Strategic Planning Committee. The decision, made on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, comes despite objections to the increased height of the project's tallest building, which will now reach 17 storeys.
The revised plans, submitted by developer London Square after it purchased the site earlier this year, represent a significant increase from the 561 homes approved for the previous developer, Galliard Homes, in November 2024. The new scheme will transform the 1960s site, long-described as an 'eyesore', into a mixed-use community hub.
What the New Development Will Include
The approved proposal is not just about new housing. The project promises a substantial overhaul of the local area, though with some adjustments from earlier versions.
The development will feature:
- 620 new residential units, a mix of private and affordable homes.
- A community centre, though its size has been reduced from initial plans.
- Commercial floorspace for businesses.
- The retention and integration of a pub.
- A medical centre and supermarket, both of which have also seen their proposed sizes reduced.
Significantly, the number of residential and commercial car parking spaces has been cut back, reflecting a shift towards more sustainable transport options.
Affordable Housing at the Heart of the Plan
A key win for the council and local community is the substantial increase in affordable housing. The proportion of affordable homes by habitable room has jumped from 36.2% to 46.3% under the new plans.
The breakdown of the 620 homes is as follows:
- 149 homes will be for social rent.
- 112 homes will be classed as intermediate housing, likely for shared ownership.
- The remainder will be sold on the private market.
During the committee meeting, Councillor Jack Lavery highlighted this as a critical benefit, noting the scheme offers 89 extra affordable homes compared to the previously consented plan.
Controversy Over Building Height and Local Character
The approval was not without its detractors. The decision to allow a 17-storey tower, increased from the originally approved 15 storeys, proved contentious. Objectors, including the Lee Manor Society, pointed to Lewisham's own Local Plan for Lee Green, which states building heights should not normally exceed 12 storeys.
Simon Bucks of the Lee Manor Society voiced concerns that the tall building would "overwhelm a historic part of the borough" and set a dangerous precedent for future developments. He also criticised the developer's initial rebranding of the site as 'Blackheath Gate', which he saw as a sign of contempt for the local Lee identity.
A council planning officer acknowledged that the proposal did exceed the Local Plan's height guidance. However, he clarified that the policy does not automatically mandate refusal for taller buildings and urged councillors to consider the overall planning benefits of the scheme.
The developer, London Square, stated that the Section 73 application was necessary to address new fire safety regulations, which contributed to the need for revised designs. With the committee's full approval, the long-awaited regeneration of the Leegate site is now set to proceed, promising to replace a decaying landmark with a new, densely populated neighbourhood for South London.
