Green light for new sustainable homes in Downham

We are proud to have secured planning approval to provide new homes for residents in Downham.

The new development, approved by Lewisham Council on Thursday 29 September, will provide 25 much needed homes for social rent and 11 shared ownership homes on the site of disused allotments and garages near Arcus Road and Chingley Close. We have appointed architects Mikhail Riches for the scheme- winners of the Stirling Prize in 2019 for their development at Goldsmith Street in Norwich.

Denise Fowler, Chief Executive of Phoenix Community Housing, said: “This Passivhaus scheme demonstrates Phoenix’s commitment to providing high quality, energy efficient and affordable homes. Energy bills in these properties will be a fraction of those in most homes, helping our residents to live in comfort during these tough times. This is a great achievement and I’m pleased that the council recognised the quality of this development and its importance to our community.”

The new homes are designed to meet the ‘Passivhaus’ standard - an internationally recognised approach that aims to address issues including fuel poverty and climate change. Passivhaus homes have very high levels of insulation which means residents will notice benefits such as low energy bills and comfortable living environments all year round.

We held extensive consultation with residents during 2020 and 2021 to help shape the plans.  

Besides the new homes, the development will also include the construction of two new streets, a shared public play area and the planting of trees and hedgerows.

The new homes are part of our plans to build 186 new homes by 2025, supporting Lewisham Council’s Building for Lewisham programme which aims to deliver more homes for families on the housing waiting list.

This includes the construction of our first intergenerational scheme at Melfield Gardens. The scheme received planning approval in 2020 and will provide 30 affordable homes for people over 55, alongside two four-bedroom flats for postgraduate students.  

Find out more about our development programme.