New housing can revitalise town centres in South London, according to a new study by the London Development Agency.
The study shows that new, well-designed housing can make the areas more distinctive and not diminish local architectural characteristics.
As London’s population is expected to grow by 500,000 by 2026, the study aims to inform the debate about the future shape of London’s housing growth.
The study shows housing could bring positive change to seven places in south London boroughs: the Old Kent Road, Balham, Lea Green, Morden, Anerley Hill, West Norwood and Purley.
It also uses different scenarios to illustrate how increases in housing can be accommodated in different ways in different areas.
It claims the best results can be achieved if local communities are involved in the design process.
The study will help politicians, planners and developers to consider the issues involved when looking to increase housing while maintaining and improving the essential characteristics of London’s suburban town centres and their edges.
London Development Agency Director of Design, Strategy & Planning Geoff Raw said: “This study shows that far from creating unpopular identikit towns, well planned and well designed homes can revitalise London’s suburbs and make them even more distinct.
“We hope that planners, architects and others will use this study to inform their thinking and their future plans.”
