Rooftop bar at Elizabeth House, Lambeth, London SE1
Summary of planning committee decision
Decided by Lambeth Planning Applications Committee on 9 Sept 2025.
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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See the API →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)
- All decisions
- Lambeth committee decisions →
Source: Plota analysis of the minutes.