Keyworker homes and community centre at 177 Abbey Street, Bermondsey, London SE1

What was proposed

The application proposed a 21-storey building with 152 affordable keyworker homes, a community centre, parking, cycle spaces, refuse storage and landscaping.

“Planning permission is sought for the redevelopment of the site to provide a building of 21 storeys consisting of 152 affordable Keyworker homes to the upper floors, with a new community centre on the ground and first floors. Associated blue badge parking spaces, cycle parking, refuse storage, mechanical plant and hard and soft landscaping, including new tree planting, is also proposed.”

“114 double stacked spaces, 8 large Sheffield stand spaces, and 1 regular sized Sheffield stand space within the building’s cycle stores on the ground floor. • 12 Sheffield stand spaces are provided in cycle hangers within the building’s curtilage on Neckinger Street. • 57 spaces for foldable bikes are provided within the 2B3P homes. • 10 short stay spaces on Neckinger Street are provided as 5 Sheffield stands.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The vacant site is beside the Arnold Estate, open space, roads, railway infrastructure and the Grade II listed Neckinger Mills.

“to the south, southeast, and southwest by the highway of Abbey Street, and the residential properties that comprise of; 1-48 Queen’s Court, 166 Abbey Street, and 162-164 Abbey Street, more known as Neckinger Mills, which is Grade II listed; • to the west by the highway of Druid Street, and beyond that the National Rail viaduct connecting Lewisham and London Bridge Stations; • immediately to the north by the Arnold Estate (nos.”

“Immediately to the east of the site is an area of open space used by local residents. As part of the community consultation process, concerns were raised about the anti-social aspects of the hardstanding areas within the northwest corner of this open space.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the affordable homes, community centre, public realm, design and sustainability benefits outweighed identified amenity and heritage impacts.

“Regarding amenity and environmental considerations, although the proposal would result in daylight and sunlight impacts to occupiers of nearby existing properties that depart from the BRE guidelines, the retained levels are still considered adequate for an inner London urban area. Additionally, suitable conditions regarding other environmental matters assessed in this report are secured within the draft Decision Notice, attached as Appendix 1 to this report.”

“As the report explains, the proposal would make efficient use of a prominently located and under-utilised site to deliver a high quality and sustainable development that provides much needed keyworker housing within the borough. Council’s aspirations for the area. In addition to the keyworker housing benefits brought by this proposal, the community centre is a modern facility that is flexible to cater to various residents and groups in the surrounding area.”

Officer report

What people said

Thirty-one public responses opposed the application, while two responses supported it, including support for permanent keyworker housing and community benefits.

“One group, GSTFT, which provides numerous healthcare facilities within Southwark, notably at Guy’s Hospital, Bermondsey Health Centre, and Harold Moody Health Centre, has submitted a comment in support of the application. Their response expresses support for the keyworker housing, and that it remains in perpetuity.”

“Listed below are the material planning considerations raised in support of the planning application by public consultation responses.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors, the applicant’s representative and ward councillors David Noakes and Sam Dalton addressed the committee and answered questions.

Members’ discussion

Members questioned officers, speakers and ward councillors before discussing the application.

“Councillors David Noakes and Sam Dalton addressed the committee in their capacity as ward councillors. Members put questions to the two ward councillors.”

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

Minutes

The committee vote

A motion to grant planning permission was moved, seconded and carried.

“A motion to grant planning permission was moved, seconded, put to the vote and declared carried.”

Minutes