Shopping centre redevelopment at Molesworth Street, Lewisham, London SE13

What was proposed

The hybrid application proposed phased redevelopment with housing, co-living, student accommodation, town centre uses, community facilities, public spaces and transport works.

“Outline planning application (all matters reserved) for a comprehensive, phased redevelopment, comprising demolition of existing buildings, structures and associated works to provide a mixed-use development including: The following uses: - Living Uses, comprising residential (Class C3) and student accommodation (Sui Generis); - Town Centre Uses (Class E (a, b, c, d, e, f, g (i, ii)) and Sui Generis); - Community and Cultural uses (Class F1; F2; and Sui Generis); - Music,…”

“The Development Specification identifies the maximum quantum of development applied for in outline as comprising up to 164,894m2 of residential (Class C3) and 26,134m2 student accommodation (Sui Generis); up to 46,666m2 of town centre uses (Class E (a, b, c, d, e, f, g (i, ii)) and Sui Generis) and community and cultural uses (Class F1; F2; and Sui Generis); a minimum of 11,855m2 of public open space, public realm, amenity space and landscaping works including play space;…”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications mainly concerned Lewisham House conversions, including approvals, withdrawals and a refusal, while no application had previously sought redevelopment of the whole site.

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 29 There have been a number of applications relating to parts of the shopping centre and retail units however there have been no applications for the redevelopment of the application site.”

“Is this report easy to understand? Please give us feedback so we can improve. Go to https://lewisham.gov.uk/contact-us/send-us-feedback-on-our-reports DC/25/139023 - An application submitted under Class MA, Part 3 of Schedule 2 to the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) (Amendment) Order 2015 (as amended in 2024) for the proposed change of use of the existing vacant office accommodation at Lewisham House, 25 Molesworth Street, SE13 to provide…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions and a legal agreement, concluding that the benefits outweighed the identified harms and policy departures.

“The development plan supports tall buildings in this location, and the proposed massing, while exceeding recommended maximum heights, is considered acceptable in the context of the site’s strategic role and the public benefits secured. The scheme is subject to a suite of planning conditions and legal obligations, including review mechanisms to maximise affordable housing delivery and ensure high standards of design, sustainability, and inclusive access.”

“Taking all relevant matters into account, including the development plan, national policy and all other material considerations, and having applied the presumption in favour of sustainable development under paragraph 11(d) of the NPPF, Officers conclude that the adverse impacts of the proposal do not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Representatives for Lewisham House and the Save Lewisham Shopping Centre Campaign spoke against the proposal, focusing on deliverability, viability, affordable housing and social impacts.

The vote

Members present, apart from two councillors who had temporarily left, unanimously supported accepting the officer recommendation.

“In its deliberations, the Committee considered the complexity of balancing regeneration, community benefits, commercial interests, and social responsibility. The committee was satisfied that the applicant was actively negotiating how to ensure continuity for existing businesses and community groups, while also planning for future growth and inclusivity.”

“The proposal to accept the officer’s recommendation was seconded and voted on by Members present at the meeting, except Councillors Rosie Parry and Hau-Yu Tam who having left the room for a comfort break and was therefore unable to vote on this item due to Council rules. The committee:”

Minutes

The decision

The committee agreed referral to the Mayor of London, authorised a Section 106 agreement and authorised planning permission subject to satisfactory legal obligations and conditions.

“A. To agree the proposals and refer the application, this report and any other required documents to the Mayor of London (Greater London Authority) under the terms of the Town and Country Planning (Mayor of London) Order 2008.”

“C. That subject to completion of a satisfactory legal agreement, authorise the Head of Planning to GRANT PLANNNG PERMISSION subject to conditions including those set out in the report and such amendments as considered appropriate to ensure the acceptable implementation of the development.”

Minutes