Listed building alterations at London College Of Printing And Graphic Art, Southwark

What was proposed

The application sought minor changes to the listed church’s northern elevation, including removing the adjoining college external staircase and restoring the cornice return.

“Development Management planning application: Application 25/AP/0979 for: LISTED BUILDING CONSENT”

“Proposal: Minor amendments to the northern elevation of the grade II listed Metropolitan Tabernacle building by virtue of the demolition of the immediately adjacent/abutting London College of Communications external staircase.”

Officer report

The listed building and surroundings

The Metropolitan Tabernacle is a grade II listed church adjoining the former college workshop building.

“This application relates to the London College of Printing and Graphic Art site which is located in the heart of Elephant and Castle and sits under the University of the Arts London (UAL) umbrella. It measures 1.35 ha and is bound by St George’s Road to the north, Elephant and Castle to the east, Brook Drive, Pastor Street and the Metropolitan Tabernacle (a church with a grade II listed façade) to the south, and Oswin Street to the west.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended listed building consent subject to conditions, considering the restored stonework and removal of the staircase important heritage benefits.

“Recommendation (listed building consent application 25/AP/0979)”

“That listed building consent be granted, subject to conditions.”

Officer report

Heritage effects considered

The works would improve the church’s immediate setting and reveal it as a free-standing building, while wider development would cause low-level less than substantial harm in some views.

“The gap also establishes an improved visual relationship between the church and workshop building that is more in keeping with its southern flank and One-the- Elephant’s podium building, making for a more coherent streetscape.”

“Overall, the development would cause less than substantial harm to the setting of the Grade II listed church in some views. This harm would be at the low end of the range and would be outweighed by the heritage benefits of ‘reinstating’ the listed building’s highly significant main frontage and improving its immediate setting onto the main road. As such, the proposals are welcome where they directly and indirectly affect the heritage asset.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors, the applicant’s representatives and two ward councillors addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee vote

A motion to grant permission with additional conditions was moved, seconded and carried.

“A motion to grant planning permission as on paper with additional conditions was moved, seconded, put to the vote and declared carried.”

Minutes

What was decided

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions, legal agreement requirements, environmental and equality considerations, and referrals to the Mayor of London and Secretary of State.

“That planning permission be granted subject to conditions set out in the report and that, the applicant enter into an appropriate legal agreement, referral to the Mayor of London and referral to the Secretary of State, and that the Director of Planning and Growth be authorised to add and make amendments to conditions.”

“That following issue of planning permission, the Director of Planning and Growth place a statement on the Statutory Register pursuant to Regulation 28(1) of the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2017, which contains the information required by Regulation 28 and, for the purposes of Regulation 28(1)(h) being the main reasons and considerations on which the Planning Committee’s decision was based shall be set out in the report;”

Minutes