17-flat residential scheme at Hesper House, Wells Park Road, London SE26

What was proposed

The application sought amendments to an approved scheme, increasing the number of flats from 15 to 17 and changing plans, layouts and conditions.

“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 3 THE PROPOSALS 25 The current S73 application follows a grant of planning permission DC/21/120262 for the re-development of the site with a 5 storey building (and lower ground) to provide 15 flats.”

“Urban Greening Factor - Changes proposed to condition wording (part a) and parts (b) and (c) to be retained; This is because a Landscape Management Plan with increased UGF of 0.51 has been submitted with the current application; • 34. Unit mix - Changes proposed to condition wording; To reflect the increased number of units and different mix of accommodation. • 35. Number of residential homes – To reflect additional 2 units.”

Officer report

Earlier planning decisions

Permission was granted for 15 flats in February 2023, followed by a granted amendment removing the specific number of homes from the development description.

“DC/25/139790: An application submitted under Section 96a of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 for a non-material amendment in connection with the planning permission (DC/21/120262) dated 15 February 2023, in order to allow change of development description from : "Demolition of existing buildings on site and the construction of a 5-storey building (plus lower ground) consisting of 5 x three bedroom, 8 x two bedroom and 2 x one bedroom self-contained dwellings at the…”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Sixteen responses were received, including 12 objections, raising concerns about design, amenity, parking, traffic, drainage, trees, wildlife and construction.

“APPLICATION PUBLICITY 42 A Site notice was displayed on 18/06/2025 and a press notice was also published on the same date. Letters were sent to residents and business in the surrounding area, and the relevant ward Councillors on 16/06/2025 and 12/06/2025 respectively. 44 16 individual responses received, comprising 12 objections and 4 comments. The total number of objections includes one from the Sydenham Hill Ridge Neighbourhood Forum.”

“Building size footprint and height out of character and contrary to Sydenham Hill Ridge Neighbourhood Forum’s emerging neighourhood plan. Standard of Accommofdation Amenity and play space should not be on roof. 159 - 169 Neighbour Amenity Loss of light and outlook 309 - 315 Loss of privacy (including from roof-top amenity space). 286 - 298 Increased noise. 316 - 319 & 387- 388 Increased light pollution.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The applicant’s planning consultant and architect supported the proposal, while a resident representing the neighbourhood forum objected.

The vote

Councillor Rathbone moved the recommendation, Councillor Muldoon seconded it, and the committee voted unanimously.

“In considering the additional responses by the Planning Officer, Councillor Rathbone moved the recommendation to grant permission which was seconded by Councillor Muldoon and voted upon.”

“MOVED, SECONDED and Unanimously RESOLVED subject to completion of a satisfactory legal agreement to AUTHORISE the Director of Planning to GRANT PERMISSION for…”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee authorised permission subject to a satisfactory legal agreement and conditions, with delegated refusal if the agreement was not completed by the stated deadline.

“If a satisfactory deed of variation to the S106 legal agreement has not been entered into at least 5 working days before 15 February 2026 (the three year expiry date to commencement development) it is recommended that authority be delegated to the Director of Planning so they may:”

Minutes