Temporary public open space at Open space behind Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore, Chelsea

What was proposed

The application proposed a five-year change from waste use to public open space, with planting, play, informal sport, seating and a new Thames Path link.

“PP/25/06369 Agenda Item: STR1 Address: Open space behind Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore, Lots Road, LONDON, SW10 Proposal: Time limited (up to 5 years) change of use of safeguarded wharf land from waste use to a public open space, including seating, planting, trees, play and informal sport, together with demolition of part of the western boundary wall to create a new pedestrian link to the Thames Path, new gates on Lots Road, and other associated works.”

“The design is inclusive, safe and well-integrated with the industrial riverside character, preserves the significance of nearby conservation areas and the Grade II Listed Lots Road Pumping Station, and enhances the Thames Path. The development would maintain acceptable living conditions for neighbours, appropriately address flood risk and drainage, and deliver biodiversity enhancements through new green infrastructure.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 0.36-hectare site is hardstanding at Cremorne Wharf beside the River Thames, near a listed pumping station and conservation areas.

“3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 The application site relates to Cremorne Wharf, located within the Chelsea Riverside Ward in the south of the Borough - adjacent to the River Thames. The application site relates to a 0.36-hectare parcel of land, excluding the pier, relating to the existing hardstanding on site. 3.2The site has two vehicular accesses from Lots Road (either side of the Lots Road pumping station). This application relates to the western access point.”

“3.6The site is within the Lots Village Conservation Area. The Thames Conservation Area is located directly to the south/east and forms the boundary with the River Thames. 3.7The site is located within Flood Zone 3 and within the Thames Tidal Breach. The site is not located within a designated Critical Drainage Area. 3.8The site is within the Thames Policy Area. The Thames Path is located to the north along Lots Road.”

Officer report

Planning history and wharf status

Cremorne Wharf has been safeguarded since 2021, and earlier applications concerned the conversion and later variation of the Lots Road Power Station scheme.

“4.5The open space would be accessed via the gates on Lots Road and the new gates from the western side of the site. The opening times of the park are suggested to be 07:30 – dusk (7 days a week). This application has been supported by a ‘Site Security Statement’ which confirms that the park will include staff – a park keeper (shared with the nearby Cremorne Gardens) and the park will be covered by the Parks Police patrols.”

“Allowed at Appeal, 30 January 2006 PP/16/06360 Lots Road Power Station Variation of condition 2 (including the redistribution of non residential uses, revised mix of residential units and various internal & external works including reduction in parking spaces to 384) of planning permission PP/02/01324 as approved under appeal in January 2006 (Demolition of parts of the former Lots Road Power Station; the provision of 420 residential units by means of conversion of the former…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the temporary, reversible scheme would deliver significant public benefits without prejudicing the wharf’s long-term freight and waste functions.

“1.3Overall, the development complies with the relevant Local Plan and London Plan policies, delivers significant public benefits, and would not give rise to adverse impacts that outweigh those benefits when assessed against the NPPF. Subject to conditions and the legal agreement, the proposal is considered acceptable and is recommended for approval. It is recommended the Committee grants planning permission with the conditions listed in Section 9 of this report.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The GLA accepted the temporary proposal subject to safeguards, the PLA objected, and other consultees raised matters addressed through conditions or obligations.

“ConsulteeComment Where in the report this is considered Greater London Authority (GLA) Whilst Cremorne Wharf has been most recently used as a temporary construction site for the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, it continues to be safeguarded for waterborne freight-handling use, as confirmed in the last Safeguarded Wharves Review in 20201.”

“9) Other consultees and organisations ConsulteeComment Where in the report this is considered Director of Transportation and Highways No objection, subject to conditions and a planning obligation (for unfettered public access to be provided over the riverside path, should an onward connection to the east become available).”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no speakers for this item.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission with the report’s conditions.

“Resolved Unanimously: To grant planning permission with the conditions listed in Section 9 of the report.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted in accordance with the recommendation, subject to completion of a legal agreement.

“Details GRANTED, in accordance with recommendation subject to completion of a Legal Agreement.”

Officer report