Rooftop bar at Elizabeth House, Lambeth, London SE1

Summary of planning committee decision

Decided by Lambeth Planning Applications Committee on 9 Sept 2025.

25/00743/FULApproved

What was proposed

The application sought an 18-month rooftop and eighth-floor bar with seating, pergolas, a fire escape, external bar and refuse compound.

“Description: Erection of temporary structures in association with the temporary use of rooftop and eighth floor (for a period of 18 months) as bar (sui generis), including; enclosed seating area; pergolas with covered seating; fire escape structure; external bar; associated internal alterations; main access; and a fenced compound containing a refuse area.”

Officer report

The site and its history

Elizabeth House is a vacant office building beside Waterloo Station with permission for demolition and redevelopment of a larger office-led scheme.

“↑ To contents 2. Site context and proposal 2.1 Site description 2.1.1 The application site (‘the Site’) is Elizabeth House, an existing 1960s office building on the eastern side of York Road, adjacent to Waterloo Station. The building comprises a long, narrow structure ranging from 8 to 11 storeys, with a 16-storey tower at its northern end. It is now vacant, previously accommodating 42,683sqm of low-grade office space and 1,950sqm of retail floorspace on its ground floor.”

Officer report

Concerns and support

Objectors raised concerns about noise, late closing, privacy, crowd dispersal and possible delays to redevelopment, while supporters welcomed reusing the vacant building.

“↑ To contents Conservation Area and therefore has a significant visual impact on its setting. The building is widely regarded as a vacant and unsightly presence in the local townscape, and its long-delayed demolition and redevelopment have been a source of frustration for the community. Concerns have been raised that granting an 18- month temporary use could further delay progress on the site's regeneration, which is considered long overdue.”

“Loss of privacy from rooftop overlooking neighbouring flats. Amenity is considered acceptable; see Privacy subsection 4.2.40 of the report. Light pollution concerns, especially flashing or laser lights. Lighting design is considered acceptable in this context see Lighting subsection Late closing time (2am) may disturb residents, especially in County Hall and Whitehouse Apartments.”

Officer report

The committee vote

Councillor Malcolm Clark moved the application and Councillor Alison Inglis Jones seconded it; six members voted for and one against.

“25/00743/FUL It was MOVED by Councillor Malcolm Clark and SECONDED by Councillor Alison Inglis Jones…”

“And RESOLVED With six votes For, and one Against.”

Minutes

The decision

The committee resolved to grant temporary conditional planning permission and delegate authority to finalise the recommended conditions.

“To grant temporary conditional planning permission.”

“Agree to delegate authority to the Director of Climate and Inclusive Growth to finalise the recommended conditions as set out in this report, addenda and/or PAC minutes.”

Minutes

Sources

  • Lambeth Planning Applications Committee minutes, 9 September 2025
  • Agenda and papers (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of Lambeth's committee minutes and officer report. Quotations are the council's own words; headings and summaries are Plota's.

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At the meeting

Council
Lambeth
Date
Tuesday 9 September 2025
Recommendation
Officers recommended approval
Committee decided
Approved
Vote
6 for, 1 against
Minutes
The council's minutes
Meeting
Agenda and papers (council website)
Application
The application (council website)

Source: Plota analysis of the minutes.