Almshouse redevelopment at 42 St Mary Newington Close, London SE17

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing almshouse and building a part four-to-six-storey replacement with 71 affordable homes and shared facilities.

“Proposal: Redevelopment of the site comprising demolition of the existing Almshouse Building and erection of a replacement part 4-6 storey Almshouse Building (Class C3) together with amenity spaces, and other associated works incidental to the development Ward(s) or groups affected:”

“The existing 0.25-hectare site (42 St Mary Newington Close) is occupied by a three- storey purpose-built residential block named 'St Mary Newington Close' which comprises a 41-bedroom Almshouse owned by Southwark Charities. The application proposes to redevelop the site to provide a replacement part 4/part 6-storey (Class C3) Almshouse building which will provide 71, 1-bed 2-person modern almshouse homes, one home for a housekeeper, and 4, 1-bedroom guest suites.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site contains a three-storey, 41-bedroom almshouse and is surrounded mainly by homes, with a school, open spaces and heritage assets nearby.

“The site is currently occupied by a U-shaped, three-storey Almshouse building with a landscaped open space at its centre which provides 41 1-bed flats.”

“Non-designated heritage assets within the wider site area relate to each other loosely as characterful yellow or red brick buildings of primarily residential and commercial origin, including: • Surrey Square School; • Former Greig’s Department Store, 194-202 Old Kent Road; • Nos. 220-250 Old Kent Road; • No.3 Surrey Square; and • No.5 Surrey Square.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

An earlier entrance and infill-panel application was approved, while related almshouse developments at two other sites were also approved.

“00/AP/0178 - i) Provision of new entrance door and infill panels to Surrey Square ii) Provision of ground floor infill panel and gate to Flinton Street. Approved…”

“There is no other relevant planning history to this application site.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors’ representatives, the applicant’s representatives and a supporter living within 100 metres addressed the committee; no ward councillors spoke.

Members’ discussion

Members questioned officers, heard responses from the speakers and discussed the application before voting on a motion to grant permission.

“The committee heard the officer’s introduction to the report and addendum report. Members put questions to officers.”

“Members of the committee put further questions to officers and discussed the application.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee granted planning permission subject to the report’s conditions, a section 106 agreement and an amendment restricting deliveries to avoid school drop-off and pick-up times.

“That planning permission be granted subject to:”

“the conditions set out in the report, including an amendment to the condition on construction logistics specifying that deliveries to the site be restricted to times outside of school drop off and pick-up times • the completion of a s106 legal agreement in accordance with the heads of terms outlined in the report; and…”

Minutes