Assael receive unanimous approval for co-living homes on Eynsham Drive
Assael Architecture and Definition Capital have received unanimous planning approval for the first co-living scheme in the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The application was welcomed by the Councillors who “thanked the team for bringing this excellent application to them” and expressed “their excitement around this new kind of housing”.
The redevelopment of the brownfield site on Eynsham drive will provide 487 co-living rooms, a 110-bed hotel and the reprovision of a pet hospital, all set within multiple green spaces and a much-improved public realm.
The underutilised site is located on the border between the boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley and is currently home to a mechanical car wash and a PDSA animal hospital. The redevelopment is planned in two phases, with the first phase enabling the hospital to relocate to its new facility, ensuring uninterrupted service.
The proposals were underpinned by the housing make-up of the area, with 62% of Abbey Wood residents being renters. Councillors strongly supported the co-living typology as providing a high-quality solution for the rental housing market and offering an excellent alternative to poorly run HMOs. The proximity of the Elizabeth line train station, as well as a surrounding town centre and Thamesmead Estate in development further support this typology and will help create a more varied and sustainable residential area, revitalising the wider Abbey Wood neighbourhood.
The design was praised for its inclusivity and community offer, with the creation of a new ground floor shared space to be made available to local groups for 20 hours per week. The proposed mix of uses was recognised as a benefit; with the PDSA pet hospital (a charity well-used by pet owners locally) and a hotel also much needed in this area.
The landscape design integrates the new buildings into its surroundings, creating vibrant outdoor spaces that benefit both the new and neighbouring communities while enhancing urban greening and supporting local ecology with a Biodiversity Net Gain of 198% and 90 new trees to be planted.
Key principles include delivering well-designed and managed homes to a higher standard to that of the existing local private rented sector. Also, to offer a variety of co-living homes that all maximise space and provide a range of amenities. This development is about creating high quality, professionally managed rental homes that will promote local activity, social cohesion and in turn reduce loneliness.
Adam Fothergill, Associate Director at Assael Architecture, said:
“Receiving unanimous approval for this co-living scheme is a testament to our commitment to addressing the growing demand for high-quality rental housing. By creating a varied, sustainable community, we’re not only revitalising an underutilised site but also contributing to the wider regeneration of the area. This development offers a unique, fair and thoughtfully designed living experience that supports both residents and the local community.”