7 Cross-cutting issues D Family sized housing at higher densities / in town centres and growth areas Existing policy and guidance
concludes that families can live in high density schemes,
7.29 See dection 7C above.
although serious consideration needs to be given to housing families with children above ground level. It
Areas of housing growth
recommends that families ideally have their own access
7.30 As outlined in the review of borough policy in
or front door, play space is provided and that homes
Section 2 of this report, in accordance with London
have sufficient internal space and storage space. It
Plan Policies 2.13 (Opportunity Areas and Intensification
goes on to suggest that 250 units per hectare is probably
Areas) and 2.15 (Town Centres), boroughs tend to
the maximum acceptable housing density for family-
direct new housing growth towards town centres and
only housing. Given this and experience working with
identified growth areas (including Opportunity Areas
public and private clients, family-sized homes are
and Areas of Intensification). A number explicitly refer
considered suitable in principle in town centres and
to this helping to relieve pressure on what are often
growth areas as part of mixed-use schemes, (including
seen as more sensitive suburban locations. However,
those with an Urban or Central setting) providing
many boroughs also identify the need for additional
that open space, play space, car parking, social
family-sized homes, particularly affordable ones, which
infrastructure and other relevant factors are satisfactorily
the London Plan and most boroughs define as being
addressed. These include limiting the number of
3-bedroom plus. This sets up an apparent tension
households served by one core and the careful
between policy objectives.
integration of car and cycle parking at acceptable levels, taking account of demand, and refuse storage.
7.31. The London Housing Federation’s report ‘Capital
BSE 19 (St Andrews, Bromley-by-Bow) is considered an
Gains: making high density housing work in London’
example of a development where family housing has
considers housing managed by social landlords and
been successfully provided at high densities.
17
Block in St Andrews, Bromley by Bow (BSE 19) designed by Maccreanor Lavington. Family maisonettes on the ground and first floors maximise private amenity space and front doors at ground level.
113 Housing Density Study