In a significant move to address housing needs in the capital, a West London council has given the green light to two new developments that will deliver 41 affordable homes across distinct locations.
Unanimous Approval for Housing Schemes
Hammersmith and Fulham Council's planning committee voted unanimously to approve both schemes during a meeting held on January 20. The decision marks a concerted effort to utilise underused land for much-needed residential purposes.
Parsons Green Development Details
The larger of the two projects involves the transformation of disused garages and sheds along Pearscroft Road in Parsons Green. These structures, described by planning officers as "unsightly" and no longer accessible, will be replaced with a modern block ranging from four to five storeys in height.
This new building will contain 38 flats, comprising:
- 10 one-bedroom units
- 15 two-bedroom units
- 13 three-bedroom flats
Significantly, half of these flats - 19 in total - will be designated as affordable housing. The affordable allocation breaks down to 63 per cent offered at social rent levels and 37 per cent available through shared ownership schemes.
The development incorporates several forward-thinking features including three disabled-friendly flats situated on the lower three floors, solar panel installation, air source heat pumps for efficient heating, and an acoustic enclosure on the roof to enhance resident comfort.
Fulham Road Family Homes
The second approved scheme involves the redevelopment of an existing car park on Barclay Close near Fulham Road. This site will see the construction of three new family homes, all designed as four-bedroom flats within a three-storey building.
All three units will be affordable, with one offered at social rent and two available through shared ownership arrangements. Each home has been designed to be fully accessible and adaptable to meet diverse family needs.
The building will feature a flat roof with a brick finish, blending with the surrounding architecture. Of the 12 existing car spaces at the site, seven will be reconfigured within the road layout to maintain parking provision.
Addressing Concerns and Maximising Potential
During the planning committee meeting, some concerns were raised regarding potential sunlight reduction at the Fulham Road development. However, planning officers advised that any loss of natural lighting would be "marginal" and substantially outweighed by the benefit of creating new housing.
Regarding the Parsons Green site, the council determined that the loss of 16 car parking spaces was "acceptable" given the availability of ample on-street parking alternatives in the area.
Planning committee chair Councillor Nikos Souslous emphasised the strategic importance of these developments, stating: "This scheme makes good use of what is a very limited space. We do have a need in the borough for family homes."
Notably, the Fulham Road scheme represents a revision of previously approved plans. A lapsed permission for six flats has been replaced with this new proposal for larger, family-friendly accommodation better suited to current borough requirements.
The site is situated south east of Fulham Road and is surrounded by similarly scaled residential blocks, ensuring the new development will integrate well with the existing neighbourhood character.
