Planning proposals for 27 homes approved as part of ‘Homes for Wandsworth’ development programme

The proposed sites, situated on existing garage and infill sites – three within the iconic Ackroydon estate and the other on Galleons Estate – respond carefully to the existing grain and shape of their neighbourhoods. The designs have been carefully curated to bring forward a total of 27 new homes while accommodating the diverse needs of the community.

The design aspirations for these sites include creating high-quality homes, retaining the green identity of the estate, improving public areas, incorporating planting opportunities, integrating existing services, activating pedestrian routes, and establishing accessible green spaces for all.

The ‘Homes for Wandsworth’ initiative is a strategic effort by Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC) to provide a diverse range of homes that cater to various budgets and needs, with a primary focus on delivering affordable housing for individuals with average or below-average incomes. Committed to delivering 100% social housing, the programme aligns with key objectives outlined in WBC's Planning and Development strategies, emphasising sustainability, high-quality social housing, and improved open space standards.

Galleons Estate Garages: The proposed development will enhance the quality of the site, replacing outdated car garages with new homes for social rent. Homes are delivered in a massing form and material palette that complements the area's character. The two-storey building sits lower than surrounding buildings, using existing level changes to situate the development comfortably within the existing landscape and setting. Proposed landscape enhancements will create new green open space that can be enjoyed by both existing and new residents.

Ackroydon Estate, Site B: The site comprises the two-storey Ackroydon Community Hall, one-storey Tenant Management Organisation (TMO) office, a paved public square and a flood prone community garden. The approved proposals provide a new community centre that has been designed with input from the local community, as well as 13 new homes for social rent. Landscape improvements to Montfort Place public square and the adjacent Sunken Garden will rejuvenate the external space, providing improved pedestrian connectivity across this part of the estate, and high quality amenity and play space.

Ackroydon Estate, Site C: The development makes use of a corner of land between two 5-storey linear residential buildings that currently accommodate a single-storey caretakers store. Our proposals respect the neighbouring buildings and completes this corner with a high quality infill block that activates this corner plot, providing 5 new 1 bedroom apartments for social rent. The stepped and chamfered massing respects existing trees and retains light and views to neighbouring windows.

Ackroydon Estate, Site D: Facing Swanton Gardens and backing onto the playground of Southmead Primary School, our proposals replace a row of outdated small garages to deliver two new 2-bed duplexes and a 1-bed apartment. The design responds thoughtfully to its existing neighbours, avoiding windows on the school-facing elevation, and using a gentle chamfer and inset balconies to provide privacy to both the new and existing residents. A folded standing seam zinc roof mediates the change in height, reducing the visual mass as seen from Southmead Primary School's playground. Relief is added to the façade through the inclusion of recessed sawtooth brick panels and soldier course horizontal banding, a contemporary interpretation of detail on the existing neighbouring buildings.