Mixed-use building with 18 homes at Dorchester Parade, Streatham, London SW16

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing buildings and constructing a part five- and part six-storey building with commercial units and 18 homes.

“Application ref: 25/03039/FUL Site: Dorchester Parade, Leigham Court Road, London, SW16 2PQ Ward: Streatham Wells Description: Demolition of existing buildings and erection of a part 5 / part 6 storey building comprising 2x ground floor commercial units (Use Class E) and 18 residential units (Use Class C3) on the upper floors, including a roof terrace, together with the provision of refuse, recycling and cycle storage facilities.”

Officer report

The site

The site was a vacant commercial parade with three flats, in a major centre and conservation area, with excellent public transport access.

“↑ To contents accommodating a medical practice at ground level with offices above, followed by the South London Press Building, a predominantly residential block of comparable height. To the south is Dorchester Court, a substantial four‑storey residential mansion block, while to the rear, beyond a shared courtyard and car park, is The Picture House, a former residential building now in mixed commercial use. Figure 2: View of the Site from Leigham Court Road.”

“As such, it contributes to the wider district centre function but is not subject to the highest level of retail frontage protection. The Site benefits from a Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) of 6a, indicating excellent access to public transport, including bus services on Leigham Court Road and Streatham High Road and rail services at Streatham Hill Station, located approximately 140m away.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

External and internal consultees raised no objections subject to conditions, contributions and further details covering transport, design, ecology, sustainability and security.

“Application consultation – external and internal External consultees Summary of comments Officer response Environment Agency No objection Noted. Metropolitan Police (Design Out Crime) No objection subject to pre-commencement and pre-occupation conditions are considered to ensure end-to-end compliance with Secured by Design Condition secured.”

“Internal consultees Summary of comments Officer response Arboricultural Officer Subject to confirmation of adequate substrate depth and soil volume to support two small trees within the roof garden, there are no arboricultural or urban greening objection to the proposal. Conditions and informatives secured.”

Officer report

Residents’ concerns

Four objections and one neutral representation raised concerns about design, amenity, transport, construction, sustainability, emissions and the lack of affordable housing.

“Public transport capacity is a strategic matter and does not warrant refusal of an otherwise policy compliant scheme. Construction disruption (noise, dust, access) Construction impacts are temporary and can be appropriately managed. Conditions are recommended requiring a Construction Management Plan, Construction Logistics Plan, and compliance with NRMM requirements to mitigate noise, dust, air quality and highway impacts during demolition and construction.”

“Environmental sustainability / demolition versus refurbishment The applicant has demonstrated that refurbishment of the existing structure is not practicable due to its condition and inefficiency. The proposal delivers significant sustainability benefits, including a 71.78% reduction in regulated carbon emissions beyond Part L, green roofs, PV, an Urban Greening Factor, and ecological enhancements on a site that currently has negligible biodiversity value.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A councillor moved the recommendation and another councillor seconded it.

The committee vote

The committee resolved unanimously to grant conditional planning permission, subject to completing a satisfactory legal agreement.

“25/03039/FUL It was MOVED by Councillor Malcolm Clark and SECONDED by Councillor Martin Bailey…”

“To grant conditional planning permission subject to the completion of a satisfactory deed pursuant to Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 containing the planning obligations as set out in this report, addenda and/or PAC minutes.”

Minutes

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the legal agreement, with authority delegated to finalise conditions and planning obligations; failure to complete the agreement within six months could lead to refusal.

“In the event that a satisfactory Section 106 deed is not completed within six months of the date of the Committee meeting, delegated authority is given to the Director of Director of Planning and Sustainability to refuse planning permission for failure to enter into a satisfactory Section 106 deed providing for the obligations considered necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms as identified in this report, addenda and/or the PAC minutes.”

Minutes