Key Points
- Phoenix Community Housing plans to convert Catford Police Station in south London into 63 affordable homes.
- Partial demolition will occur, retaining the locally listed main police station building on Bromley Road.
- Two new residential blocks, ranging from four to six storeys, will replace ancillary buildings.
- The flats will be divided into 29 social rent and 34 intermediate rent units (20% below market rent).
- No formal objections from agencies including Transport for London, Thames Water, and Historic England.
- Public consultation raised 10 objections and a petition with 37 signatures, highlighting concerns about overdevelopment, building height, and loss of privacy.
- Lewisham Council’s planning officers support the scheme, citing the substantial contribution to affordable housing.
- Lewisham Council Planning Committee to decide on 25 November 2025.
What is the proposal for the former Catford Police Station in south London?
As reported by Oliver Gordon of the Evening Standard, Phoenix Community Housing, a resident-led housing association, has submitted plans to partially demolish and redevelop the former locally listed Catford Police Station on Bromley Road, south London, into 63 affordable homes. The proposal retains the main police station building while replacing all ancillary buildings with two new residential blocks, standing between four and six storeys tall.
Phoenix initially sought permission for 65 homes but reduced the total to 63 in response to planning considerations. The redevelopment aims to revitalise a closed police station site while meeting local affordable housing needs.​
When did the Catford Police Station close and what has the site been used for?
The Catford Police Station ceased operations at the end of 2017. Since then, the building has been occupied by Live In Guardians, who temporarily reside in vacant properties at reduced rates in exchange for securing them. Phoenix announced its purchase of the site in February 2022 and has been planning the redevelopment since then.​
What type of housing will be provided in the new development?
The development intends to provide 100 per cent affordable housing. The 63 flats will be divided into 29 social rent units and 34 intermediate rent flats, the latter offered at 20 per cent below local market rents. This mix is designed to help address south London’s affordable housing demand while securing the future of the locally significant police station building.​
What concerns did local residents raise during consultation?
During the public consultation, the plans received 10 formal objections and a petition signed by 37 local residents. Concerns primarily focused on potential overdevelopment of the site, the proposed buildings being “visually intrusive” due to their height, and a loss of privacy for neighbouring properties. These points were captured in the planning documents and local feedback reported by the Evening Standard.​
Have any official bodies opposed or supported the plans?
No objections were raised by key statutory consultees including Transport for London, Thames Water, Historic England, the Metropolitan Police’s Designing Out Crime team, the London Fire Brigade, the Environment Agency, and Active Travel England. This indicates the development meets important safety, heritage, environmental, and transport policies.​
What is Lewisham Council’s stance on the redevelopment?
Lewisham Council’s planning officers have recommended approval of the redevelopment. Their report highlights the development will provide an “exceptional amount” of much-needed on-site affordable housing aligned with policy objectives. The planning committee is scheduled to review and decide on the application at their 25 November 2025 meeting.​
How will the project impact the local environment and public spaces?
Phoenix’s planning statement emphasises that the development will include playspaces and urban greening through landscaping initiatives. Moreover, Carstairs Road, adjacent to the site, will be transformed into a public and pedestrian-only street to enhance local connectivity and permeability, thereby improving the surrounding neighbourhood’s walkability.
