Arada submits plans for Peckham PBSA

Arada London has submitted plans for a major residential development in Peckham combining 516 purpose-built student accommodation beds with 55 social rent homes.

The proposals for a 1.4-acre brownfield site on Blackpool Road have been submitted to the London Borough of Southwark and would see two buildings developed alongside commercial and community space and new public realm.

One building would contain the 55 affordable homes, including ground-floor maisonettes and apartments above, while a separate building would provide the PBSA accommodation.

Arada said the affordable housing provision is equivalent to 42.2% of the scheme. All 55 homes would be provided for social rent, giving the development a significant conventional affordable housing component alongside its student accommodation.

The scheme demonstrates how PBSA is increasingly being combined with other residential tenures on constrained urban sites, particularly in London where pressure remains high for both student accommodation and affordable housing.

Approximately 1,200 sq ft of commercial and community accommodation is also proposed at ground-floor level.

Steve Harrington, Planning Director at Arada London, said: “London faces a pressing need for genuinely affordable, high-quality homes and well-located student accommodation, and Blackpool Road is designed to meet both.”

The proposals have been designed by Morris+Company and follow consultation with the local community ahead of the planning submission.

The affordable homes would include private outdoor space for every property, alongside a dedicated children's play area and landscaped courtyard.

The student building would provide communal lounges, study and social areas, a gym and laundry facilities, together with a roof terrace. The two buildings would be arranged around landscaped courtyards.

Plans also include pedestrianised public realm and 376 cycle spaces, reflecting the site's location and connections into central London.

Air-source heat pumps are proposed to serve both buildings, while roof space would be used for photovoltaic panels.

Harrington said: “From the outset it has been a priority for us that Blackpool Road feels like a natural part of Peckham. We have engaged extensively with the local community to shape these plans, ahead of submission and look forward to working with Southwark Council on the next steps.”

The project adds to Arada London's growing residential development pipeline in the capital.

The business, part of UAE-based developer Arada, has a pipeline of approximately 17,000 homes across London and is also progressing its first co-living project in Southwark alongside plans for a hotel near Elephant & Castle.

Arada is working with Morris+Company on another mixed-use development at Jamestown Road and Arlington Road in Camden Town.

The Peckham proposals come as London's operational living market continues to attract development capital, with PBSA particularly attractive in locations where conventional housing supply remains constrained and universities generate sustained accommodation demand.

However, Blackpool Road is notable for combining that investment model with social rented housing rather than delivering a standalone student scheme.

The project would also make intensive use of previously developed land, placing more than 500 student beds, 55 affordable homes and supporting uses on a 1.4-acre site.

Harrington added: “The scheme reflects policy objectives, addressing the shortfall of housing by making the most of brownfield land, while honouring the character of Peckham and delivering public realm that the whole community can take pride in.”

The application will now be considered by Southwark Council.