Flats Plan for Land Next to Former Southfields Hostel

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Over 100 neighbours consulted over three-storey housing development

A visualisation from the developer of the Augustus Road scheme

April 17, 2023

Wandsworth Council says that 100 neighbours have been consulted over plans to build a three-storey building housing nine flats on land next to the former Struan House hostel in Southfields.

Developers City Planning have applied to the council for permission to build a new block providing one three-bed flat, six two-bed flats and two 1-bed flats, all with balconies, in Augustus Road.

The development is close to the Victoria Drive and Sutherland Grove conservation areas as well as the locally-listed Linden Lodge School. A Design and Access Statement submitted on behalf of the developers admits it possibly overlooks an adjacent non-listed school building.

As well as seeking the opinion of 106 neighbours, Wandsworth Council is also inviting comments on the scheme before it is considered by its planning committee. You can make your comment by searching for application number 2023/1176 on the council’s planning explorer.

The former Struan House hostel has recently been converted into the Holm development, offering 86 studio apartments for rent. The new development would be on the same site but would not use land now accessible by the Holm residents.

Dave Clark, Associate Director of PR firm, The Terrapin Group, says in a report submitted by the developers, “The design of the development, in terms of its plan form, height, architectural appearance, and landscape design, takes account the various elements that combine to contribute to the distinctive spatial and landscape character of this part of Southfields.”

His report says no “significant” trees will be lost when the development is built and adds that new trees will be planted, along with “substantial” shrub planting.

The proposed scheme will feature green roofs for pollinating insects and nesting birds. While the new trees will screen views of the site from the garages to the southeast and views of the building from the neighbouring school, according to the developers.

A concrete ‘bee post’ will be installed on the edge of the development to offer a habitat for bees and invertebrates.

The Terrapin Group said a consultation of 50 local residents and representatives resulted in the following comments:

• Proximity of new buildings to the school and the potential for overlooking school buildings from residential flats
• The wellbeing of trees on the shared boundary with the school
• Noise and disturbance during construction

But the developers say privacy screens will stop residents overlooking Lindon Lodge school, trees will be subject to an “on-going management regime” and a construction management plan will be submitted to the council.

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