The proposal for the homes states that the council intend to provide “100% affordable housing” in the area. The plans are aided by nearly £1 million in NHS funding through its ‘Transforming Care Programme’.

The plans consist of 26 new homes made up of a mix of two and three-bed flats will provide temporary accommodation for homeless families. the remaining 6 homes will be transformed into supported living homes for residents with learning difficulties and/or autism.

The scheme plans to provide supported living residents 24/7 on-site care and support, as well as acommunal garden space for their sole use.

There are currently around 2000 families occupying temporary accommodation throughout Lewisham, of which 600 stay in nightly paid accommodation.

According to the charity Trust London, 26% of Lewisham residents are living in poverty, this is just below the London-wide rate of 27%.

If accepted, the homes will be built following the demolition of an existing two-storey warehouse.

Two consultation events were held with local residents in December 2018 and March 2019.

As well as housing the plans include accessible parking bays on Mayow Road, associated landscaping, refuse storage and cycle parking.

Contextual model. Pic: Lewisham Council

A new special educational needs school is also planned to sit opposite the site.

The development is expected to be approved by the council’s planning department in November.

Work on the site is expected to start in March 2020, with completion expected in autumn 2021.

Cllr Paul Bell, Cabinet Member for Housing described the proposal as a “landmark scheme”.

He said:“We are incredibly proud to see our housing building programme fully in motion. It is a joint collaboration with the NHS, aiming to create socially integrated accommodation which will cater to both homeless families and to residents with learning difficulties and/or autism. These homes reflect our determination to deliver on making a difference for our residents by building and enabling new places to call home”.