Lewisham councillors have approved plans to build new flats for families suffering homelessness in the borough.  

The plans include a three-storey building with six flats at 118 Canonbie Road in Forest Hill.  

A two-storey vacant building at the site, previously a hostel, will be demolished after the proposals were approved at a planning meeting on Thursday (January 9).    

The former hostel building has been deemed “not fit purpose”.   

There are more than 7,000 people suffering homelessness in Lewisham, the equivalent of one in 43. 

Around 2,300 families are in temporary accommodation throughout Lewisham, of which over 735 stay in nightly paid accommodation, according to the council.  

Councillor Paul Bell, cabinet member for housing, said: “As part of our ‘Building for Lewisham’ programme, 118 Canonbie Road represents our dedication to meeting the long-term housing needs of local residents across the borough.  

“We are proud that this housing scheme will deliver high-quality, genuinely affordable homes while supporting residents to stay within their local community.” 

The plans, which are car-free, also include 12 cycle spaces and a large shared garden.   

Residents in the area raised concerns that the lack of parking provision could put pressure on current residential spaces.   

In response, planning officers “acknowledged the proposal being car-free is of concern to residents”.   

Officers said that an independent parking survey had shown a capacity for on-street parking within 200 metres of the site “to accommodate any parking demand generated by the development”.