Barely legal ‘pocket homes’ planned for new development in south London

A former synagogue and car park in Streatham, South London, could be demolished and redeveloped into 92 new residential units.

The scheme, submitted by developer Pocket Living to Lambeth Council, includes compact ‘pocket’ homes measuring just 38 square metres — one square metre above the government’s minimum legal space standards.

The development site comprises 35-37 Leigham Court Road, encompassing the synagogue, which has been closed since 2021, and neighbouring land previously used as public facilities.

Pocket Living, notable for creating affordable, compact homes aimed at first-time buyers and local renters, has proposed a mixed tenure project.

The scheme includes:

The discount market rent units, known as ‘Pocket Rent Homes’, are one-bedroom units for single occupancy and feature an internal floor area set at 38sqm.

The government’s minimum space standards are typically 39sqm for a one-bedroom single-occupant dwelling, unless a shower room replaces a bathroom, in which case the minimum drops to 37sqm.

Meanwhile, the 46 private homes are called ‘Pocket Sharer’ homes, which are larger private units designed with en-suite bathrooms and shared communal spaces including living rooms, kitchens, and dining areas.

These shared spaces aim to foster social interaction among residents.

The scheme also accounts for accessibility, with nine homes specifically designed to be wheelchair accessible.

Public consultation on the scheme revealed a near-even split between support and opposition: 44 submissions endorsed the project, citing its potential contribution to affordable housing, while 43 raised concerns about the quality of affordable homes.

Despite the divided response, planning officers affirmed that the design ‘offers a good-quality environment for future occupiers’ and complies with the council’s space policy requirements.

The Planning Applications Committee will decide on the plans later this month and, if approved, the development will introduce four buildings ranging from three to six storeys on the site, as well as green spaces and community facilities.

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