Land at Weardale Road, Lewisham

Client: Vij Land Development Property Group

Architect: Jackson Aava

Description of Development: Demolition of existing storage unit and construction of a part one/part two-storey 1-bedroom dwelling, with refuse storage, cycle parking, and a living roof.

Location: Land to the North of Park View, Weardale Road, SE13 5FG

Summary

This sensitive small-site infill scheme delivers a high-quality, car-free residential dwelling on a previously developed site along Weardale Road in Lewisham. The new home optimises a constrained brownfield plot currently occupied by a redundant single-storey storage building. The scheme benefits from a strong design response to its setting, with robust timber-clad architecture, a private terrace, and integrated greening. Despite being located in Flood Zone 2, the proposal was supported by detailed flood risk evidence and contributes to borough-wide housing delivery objectives under the tilted balance approach.

Key Issues Addressed

Land Use and Need: The development contributes to Lewisham’s strategic housing targets through the delivery of a single 1-bedroom, 2-person home on an underutilised site. The proposal makes optimal use of brownfield land, reinforcing the borough’s approach to gentle density in existing residential areas. The scheme aligns with London Plan and local policy ambitions to increase housing through high-quality small site development.

Design and Context: The dwelling is of contemporary two-storey design, responding to the eclectic character of the eastern side of Weardale Road, which features piecemeal infill. The material palette includes vertical timber cladding and aluminium-framed fenestration, resting above a natural stone plinth. The building is sensitively designed to maintain privacy for neighbours, and employs a triple aspect layout that maximises natural light and ventilation.

Transport and Accessibility: With a PTAL of 3, the site has average public transport accessibility. The scheme is car-free and includes secure, covered cycle parking for two bikes. Refuse storage is integrated into a ground floor courtyard area with direct street access. No parking stress or highway safety issues were identified and residents will retain eligibility for CPZ permits, reflecting limited anticipated impact.

Sustainability and Environmental Performance: A biodiversity living roof is incorporated to support urban greening and sustainable drainage. As the site is at low risk of flooding, no additional mitigation was required. The development also meets Air Quality Neutral benchmarks through the exclusion of on-site car use and controls on gas boiler emissions.

Urban Greening and Biodiversity: Although the site falls below the statutory Biodiversity Net Gain threshold, green infrastructure measures include the planted roof and retention of nearby trees. An Arboricultural Method Statement confirmed construction would not impact neighbouring tree roots. While future pressure to prune trees was noted, these would not compromise the overall scheme integrity.

Community Impact: The proposal received no objections during consultation, with one supportive comment recorded. The quiet, cul-de-sac setting and modest scale of development ensure a low impact on residential amenity. Privacy concerns from the first-floor terrace are addressed through integrated screening secured by condition.

Development Highlights

This high-quality small site scheme exemplifies a policy-compliant, design-led approach to infill housing in Lewisham. By unlocking a constrained backland plot, the development enhances the character of Weardale Road, improves site permeability, and contributes to borough housing delivery targets. Maddox Planning advised on planning strategy, pre-application engagement, and successfully secured approval under delegated powers.

The proposed development from Weardale Road