PEOPLE could soon build their own houses at Church Grove, Ladywell, on an old school site recently rejected as a home for gypsies.

Lewisham Council has chosen the former Watergate School as a potential site for so-called self build or custom build housing.

Following a decision by Mayor of Lewisham Sir Steve Bullock, council officers will now investigate the potential of the proposal, which would be delivered by Lewisham Homes.

Lewisham already has a number of self build developments, including Segal Close in Honor Oak, which dates back to the 1970s, and nearby Walter's Way, constructed in the 1980s.

The Church Grove community successfully fought off plans earlier this year which would have seen the old school site used as pitches for gypsies and travellers.