A MAJOR council-funded housing project in on a derelict New Cross site has been delayed AGAIN.
The completion date for the Besson Street development, off New Cross Road, has now been pushed back from 2030 to 2031.
The site has already sat empty for almost two decades following the destruction of social housing blocks on the land in 2008.
In the latest twist earlier this year Besson Street LLP, the partnership between Lewisham Council and developer Grainger PLC, applied to boost the number of flats planned for the site.
It now wants to build 383 rental flats – instead of the former 324 – and intends to construct second staircases in the taller buildings, following changes in fire safety regulations.
The revised plans, which are expected to go to the council’s planning committee later this year, will also increase the height of the proposed tower block from 12 to 18 storeys.
Lewisham Council has pledged that 35% of the flats will be rented out at the London Living Rent rate, however critics are now airing their frustrations about delays to the project.
Former Lib Dem Lewisham councillor Chris Maines told the Lewisham Letter: “I’m frustrated and disappointed about the delay.
“I had hoped after the change of administration things would change in Lewisham.
“It appears our homeless families will continue to wait decades for the council to get its act together and build more homes.”
Mr Maines suggested the council consider a “stopgap solution” whereby valuable sites like the one in Besson Street are used for temporary housing to address the borough’s “desperate housing need”.
The latest delay was revealed in the development’s annual business plan, which has been submitted to the council’s upcoming Mayor and Cabinet meeting for approval.
It states that the practical completion date for the project is now the summer of 2031.
Last year’s business plan said the development would be finished by the winter of 2030. And the annual business plan before that set it at the autumn of 2028.
The project comprises several blocks of rented flats, with 35% set to be affordable and 65% to be let at the standard market rate.
A spokesman for Lewisham Council told the Lewisham Letter: “The Besson Street development will provide much-needed affordable homes and bring unused council-owned land back into use for local people.
“Like many developments across London, the project has been affected by rising costs and as a result, some changes have been made to the project and programme to help ensure the scheme remains viable.
“An amendment to the approved application has now been submitted and expected to go to planning committee later this year.”