Planning has been granted by London Borough of Waltham Forest for two unique new properties marking a landmark decision on the use of quirky ‘small’ spaces for new urban homes.

Loughton-based Clear Architects have worked closely with regional planners to bring The Yard and Southwell Grove to fruition, in a move which will pave the way for a ‘small homes revolution’ creating ‘SMART’ (Sustainable, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely) homes for modern living.

The Yard, a disused factory in Leyton, East London will be developed into three architecturally designed contemporary dwellings whilst Southwell Grove, a double garage located between two end of terrace houses in Leytonstone, will become a single storey one-bedroom home.

These properties are outstanding examples of how innovation and optimisation of unloved and neglected spaces can be turned into meaningful and important dwellings for someone to make their home. In turn they will significantly improve the street scene for the surrounding area and existing residents.

The Mayor of London gave credence to the potential of so-called infill sites in the London Housing Strategy citing a recognised requirement for the creation of new homes in areas with existing infrastructure; “Strongly promoting appropriate development of new homes on brownfield land, in and around town centres, and through a new presumption in favour of appropriate residential development on small sites“.

Compact development uses existing derelict or unused parcels of land in an innovative way, improving the local street scene and encouraging further regeneration, especially within inner-city boroughs.