Lambeth is set for a significant year of change in 2026, with a series of major developments poised to reshape parts of the borough. From new housing schemes aimed at tackling affordability to a fundamental shift in how large-scale events are managed, residents can expect a busy year of construction and consultation.
New Homes and Hotel Developments
Housing remains a central theme, with several key projects moving forward. In Streatham, 92 new properties have been approved for a site on Leigham Court Road. This scheme, led by Pocket Living, will include 31 'Pocket Rent Homes' – compact one-bedroom flats measuring just 38 square metres aimed at single people. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Meanwhile, in Brixton, the council's Planning Applications Committee has unanimously approved the transformation of Blue Star House on Stockwell Road into a 341-room hotel with co-working space. The refurbishment will add extra storeys, creating a new landmark on the Brixton skyline. The existing Nando's and gym on the site will be lost and not replaced, with works expected to start in mid-2027.
Another notable housing project involves land owned by the Duchy of Cornwall, spearheaded by Prince William's Homewards programme. Plans approved in 2025 will see more than a dozen homes created in Vauxhall to support young people aged 18-25 who have experienced homelessness. The first homes at 60 Sancroft Street are due to be delivered by the end of 2026.
Major Planning Applications in the Pipeline
Looking ahead, several large-scale applications are awaiting decisions. A proposal for 288 new flats across two council-owned sites in Brixton has been submitted. The plans, a partnership between Lambeth Council and developer London Square, include 98 social rent homes and new facilities for market traders. The scheme, which would see buildings ranging from six to 20 storeys, is expected to be heard by the council in March 2026.
Furthermore, an already-approved development on Shakespeare Road near Herne Hill has been expanded. Developer L&Q has been granted permission to add 60 extra homes, increasing the total to 278 and boosting the number of affordable units to 85. Building work is slated to begin on site in early 2026.
A New Era for Brockwell Park Events
One of the most significant changes for 2026 concerns the use of Brockwell Park for music festivals. Following a legal ruling in 2025, the council has adopted a "new approach" for events like Mighty Hoopla and Field Day. For the first time, festival organisers Summer Events Ltd have submitted a full planning application for their 2026 programme, which is now subject to public consultation.
This means local residents will have a formal opportunity to comment on proposals for the park's use. The application seeks temporary permission to use just over a quarter of the park for a maximum of 32 days between May and June 2026, including setup and breakdown periods. This shift to requiring full planning permission marks a major departure from the previous system of permitted development rights.
Other notable developments include the revival of The Mawbey Arms pub in Nine Elms, closed for eight years, which will reopen alongside a new 28-bedroom hotel following approval granted in September 2025.
