Plans for 324 homes in New Cross have been submitted to Lewisham Council.  

In a 50/50 joint partnership, developer Grainger plc and the council plan to build hundreds of flats, a GP surgery, a pharmacy, office space, children’s play area and a gym in Besson Street.  

The GP would replace Queen’s Road surgery but the new centre is expected to be able to take in more than 3,000 new patients. 

It is proposed that 35 per cent of homes will be on offer at the Living London Rent – around two thirds of the market cost and available to households with a maximum income of £60,000.  

The homes are expected to house those who struggle to sustain themselves in the private rental sector but who don’t meet social housing criteria.

Lewisham has a target of 50 per cent affordable housing on all developments across the borough.  

If planning permission is granted, half the money made from the development will go back to the local authority. 

Construction is expected to start in April 2021 and be completed in three years. 

The exact details of the plans are yet to be validated by the council, when they will be available online.

Chief executive of Grainger, Helen Gordon, said: “We are pleased to reach this important milestone on the Besson Street development.  

“Working in partnership with the London Borough of Lewisham, we have a great opportunity to deliver 324 quality new homes in Lewisham and a range of additional benefits for the local community.   

“Our aim at Grainger is to redefine the way that people rent property, and at Besson Street, we will combine the flexibility of renting with professional services and terms, to provide our residents with great homes in a great community, with the best rental experience possible.”  

 A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: “This development will set a new standard for private renting in Lewisham.  

“Working with Grainger means that Lewisham Council can benefit from their extensive experience with the private rented sector and provide rented accommodation that will be great for private renters in Lewisham.  

“This scheme is delivered in addition to the Building for Lewisham programme which is providing new council owned homes for social rent across the borough.

“We are building a range of different homes that all of our residents need.”