Student accommodation building at Coburg House, Southwark, London SE1

Earlier development nearby

The site has no relevant planning history, while nearby Avonmouth House and Borough Triangle have planning permissions for major redevelopment including tall buildings and student accommodation.

“Appendix 3 sets out in detail the full planning history for the site as well as details of relevant applications on adjoining or nearby sites. There is some planning history on the site, but none that are relevant to this application.”

“It is worth noting the planning history on the adjoining site at Avonmouth House and Borough Triangle opposite the site.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions, mayoral referral and a satisfactory legal agreement because the benefits were considered to outweigh the identified impacts.

“That full planning permission be granted, subject to conditions, referral to the Mayor of London and the applicant entering into a satisfactory legal agreement; and…”

“That the Planning Committee, in making their decision, has due regard to the potential equalities impacts that are outlined in this report; and…”

Officer report

Main planning effects

The assessment found high-quality design and student accommodation, but also low-level heritage harm and daylight and sunlight effects affecting some nearby properties.

“Forming an interesting composition and possessing a strong urban character, and with robust and high quality materials specified throughout, the proposed building would achieve an exemplary standard of architectural design. Whilst there would be ‘Less than Substantial’ harm to the setting of the Grade II Listed Sessions Courthouse, this is at the lower end of the scale of harm and the development presents public benefits that on balance outweigh this harm.”

“With regard to amenity and environmental considerations, although the proposal would result in daylight and sunlight impacts at a small number of nearby existing properties that depart from the BRE guidelines, it should be acknowledged that the site is within a dense urban location that is anticipated for redevelopment to deliver the benefits.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

An objector addressed the committee, and the applicant’s representatives answered members’ questions; no supporters or ward councillors wished to speak.

Members’ consideration

Members questioned officers and the applicant’s representatives, and the meeting adjourned for legal advice before the application was put to a vote.

“The committee heard the officers’ introduction to the report and addendum report. Members put questions to officers.”

“The meeting adjourned from 8:47pm – 8:58pm to take legal advice.”

Minutes