local authority:   London Borough of Lewisham

Sanford Housing Co-operative owns and manages the whole of 'Sanford Walk', a private street located in SE London. The street consists of 14 purpose-built shared houses and a small unit of studio flats. We are a diverse and thriving community of well over 100 individuals, hailing from a wide variety of backgrounds. We offer a unique opportunity for people to join and participate in a very social community whilst still having your own private space with your own keys.

The accommodation that we offer consists of 123 single rooms in 14 shared houses and 6 self contained bedsits. Each house contains 8, 9 or 10 single rooms a communal kitchen, bathroom, shower and 3 toilets. Each room is partly furnished and has central heating and a sink. Our site also includes a beautiful private garden with fishponds. We regularly have a small number of vacancies available.

Sanford actively seeks applicants from all sections of the community, over the age of 18, who wish to live in a co-operative environment, regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation or health status. Unfortunately there is no provision for wheelchairs, deaf/hard of hearing or visually impaired people. Sanford is a single persons’ co-operative and as such is not suitable for applicants who have dependent children or who wish to live as a couple.

If you wish to apply you will need to fill in an application form and return it to Sanford Housing Co-op at 11 Sanford Walk. It is important that applicants understand what a co-op is and demonstrate this on the form. It is not suitable for anyone who does not appear to grasp this means (i.e. by copying Sanford’s information), has children, a dog or wants to live as a couple or in a self contained flat. Potential tenants of the co-op must be prepared to take on the responsibilities that being a tenant member carries with it. Sanford has monthly interviews held on the first Tuesday of each month. Applicants are invited the previous week. If you wish to ask anything about Sanford please ring the Co-op on 020 8692 7316.

Sanford Housing Co-op has recently implemented measures to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 60%. It won Inside Housing’s prestigious national award for the most sustainable affordable housing refurbishment project in 2008. For more information see our Spring 2007 and Winter 2008 newsletters in our library section or go to www.energysavingtrust.org.uk and www.cse.org.uk. The project has also attracted the attention of the online British Satellite News Channel, to view the video go to www.bsn.org.uk and search the site for 'Sanford'.