A London council is planning to develop a new community-led housing strategy, which could see more affordable houses across the borough.
Lewisham Council’s new strategy aims to deliver affordable housing through an innovative housing model.
The council have a long legacy of building community-led homes, which has led to the conversion of unused garages and buildings into affordable homes for those on the waitlist.
Councillor Daniel Dream, cabinet member of inclusive regeneration planning and housing delivery, said: “Building on Lewisham’s past as a leader in community-led housing, this work will bring together the boroughs experience and leaning into a clearer, more strategic approach.
“We need to be forward thinking and visionary as a council, and we are not waiting for permission to be ambitious.”
The housing model gives ownership of properties to community-led organisations rather than private developers.
Lewisham’s community-led housing currently consist of Walters Way, Nubia Way, Stanstead Road Autism Housing Scheme, and many more projects.
The council are determined to test new ideas through a series of pilot projects to build evidence and work that could be replicated in the future.
Through the new strategy, the council hope to support community wealth building and create more inclusive and accessible housing that would meet the needs to the residents throughout their life.
The council are aware of the challenges they face, including the strained budgets that many London councils are facing, but they are still determined to deliver.
Councillor Dream said: “The limits on local government are real, so the invention has to happen inside them. We want to be a council that celebrates and enables.”
Local government and authorities have a multifaceted role in housing, which includes planning, finding and dealing with developers, regulatory enforcement, and social welfare, to name a few.
Lewisham council’s community-focused approach has led to a collaboration with organisations to build and refine the housing model.
They will be working with them to find suitable sites and offer development and funding expertise, so that communities can
Communities can build the homes they need as the council helps organisations to find new sites, and offers development and funding expertise.
Featured image credit: Matthew Kimemia via Wikimedia Commons
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