Thomas Lane Yard
Thomas’ Lane Yard regeneration planning application submitted
Thomas’ Lane Yard, a significant affordable homes and regeneration scheme in central Catford, has now been submitted to the planning authority.
The project, along with the renovation of the former Catford Constitutional Club (CCC), is part of the first phase of the Catford Town Centre Framework (CTCF) adopted by the council in 2021.
Greenest town centre in London
Informed by over 3,000 comments from residents, it outlines the ambition to become the greenest town centre in London, whilst delivering essential new homes, shops, improved public spaces, and enhanced walking and cycling infrastructure.
Thomas’ Lane Yard is a mixed-use scheme on a ‘backland’ site north of Catford Broadway. The two proposed buildings would be arranged around a central yard space, which backs on to the former Catford Constitutional Club. The new pub garden will connect to this yard, making the area more accessible, vibrant and suitable for a mix of community uses.
What will be delivered
The development aims to deliver:
- 100% affordable homes: a significant increase from 50% affordable homes previously reported
- 113 affordable units: comprising of 39 new social rented homes (target rent) and 74 shared ownership flats. The homes will be in two separate blocks, Nelgarde House, 8 storeys and Doggett House, 12 storeys
- accessible homes: ten percent of the homes provided will meet the M4(3) standard wheelchair user dwelling. The remainder will meet the M4(2) adaptable dwelling standard in accordance with the London Plan
- over 1000sqm of new commercial and office space: including a proportion of affordable workspace as required by the GLA Good Growth Grant. The space will be designed to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification. The commercial space is located on the ground floor of both buildings and the workspace is on the first floor of Nelgarde House, helping to boost the vibrancy and safety of the public space
- over 3000sqm of enhanced public realm: making it greener, cleaner and more accessible whilst also addressing community concerns regarding local anti-social behaviour.
- a car-free development (with the exception of blue badge holders): to align with the Council’s aspirations to encourage walking, cycling and sustainable travel in the borough
What has happened so far and what are the next steps?
- March 2020: £1.65M Good Growth Funding awarded
- July 2021: Catford Town Centre Framework adopted by council
- January 2021: Design team appointed
- Sept 2021: Public consultation
- October 2024: Planning application submitted
- Spring/summer 2025: Expected planning approval
- 2026: Start works on-site
- 2028: Development completion
Frequently asked questions
How is this development funded?
Both schemes are being funded by Lewisham Council, supported by £1.65m in funding from the Mayor of London’s Good Growth Fund
How much of the development is affordable housing?
This will all be affordable housing.
Will parking be taken away?
Yes, there will be a loss of car park in central Catford as the scheme will only provide Blue Badge parking and a loading bay. However, nearby is Holbeach Road car park, which has capacity to park cars when Thomas’ Lane is unavailable.
How does this relate to Catford Constitutional Club?
Restoration works at the former Catford Constitutional Club are currently in progress, expected to be completed by Summer 2025.
How sustainable will this project be?
The proposed buildings are designed to be low-energy, efficient buildings. Key sustainability features and targets include:
- communal air source heat pump
- all electric servicing strategy, no gas-fired plant on site
- operational energy performance in line with the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge targets
- targeting BREEAM Excellent rating for commercial spaces
- on-site energy generation from solar panels on the roofs
- sheltered balconies and deep reveals help with overheating and provide shading
- increased Urban Greening Factor
- proposals will result in net gains for biodiversity
- important trees retained and canopy cover maximised across site
- sustainable draining system planting along building perimeters
Will the building be fire safe?
The scheme has been designed to meet all current building regulations. There will be no combustible materials used in the façade.
Will I be able to access the area during construction?
There may not be a pedestrian route through the site during construction phase, however Thomas’ Lane will remain open, and Brookdale Road will continue to provide a route to the Broadway and Catford Shopping Centre.
The proposed yard will be shaped by a pedestrian route which would link Catford Broadway to the residential area to the north.