Housing for homeless youths approved on royal land

Prince William launched the Homewards programme in 2023 to demonstrate it is possible to end homelessness

Land in south London owned by Prince William will be turned into new homes for young people who have experienced homelessness.

The Duchy of Cornwall owns 60 Sancroft Street in Vauxhall, which be renovated into 16 affordable rentals for 18-25 year olds, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

In a meeting on 29 July, Lambeth Council unanimously approved the plan which form part of the Prince and Princess of Wales' Homewards programme which aims to prevent homelessness.

The first homes will be delivered by the end of 2026 and will be managed by charity Centrepoint.

The flats will be allocated to people aged 18 to 25 who have been homeless, are at risk of homelessness, or are in supported housing and are ready to live independently.

Rents will be set at one-third of a tenant's gross earnings, with 12 of the 16 tenants required to be in full-time employment.

The remaining four will be supported to find jobs by youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, who will manage the site, and the council.

Michelle Donovan, head of independent living at Centrepoint, said the scheme will "allow [young people] to hold down a job, end their reliance upon benefits, and escape from homelessness for good."

The building in Lambeth will be converted into 16 affordable flats

The Duchy is a private estate that funds both the charitable and private activities of the Duke of Cornwall.

The site was originally built in 1937, and had been used a children's hospital until 1990 and as accommodation for medical staff until last year.

The Duchy's plans also include a former health centre at 65 Sancroft Street, which will be demolished and replaced by a building of 23 flats.

The majority of these flats will be privately rented, with two allocated as affordable housing at a discounted market rent.

Vauxhall councillor Martin Bailey said: "This scheme embodies the very best of what planning should achieve, combining a sensitive approach to heritage, outstanding design-quality, and most importantly delivering essential social value in our borough."

A separate address owned by the Duchy of Cornwall on Sancroft Street will be turned into 23 flats

The Royal Foundation's Homewards programme, aims to end homelessness with a five-year campaign launched in 2023.

Its Innovative Housing Projects span six locations across the UK, including this plan in Lambeth.

Similar plans were announced last February in Cornwall.