Mixed-use student accommodation at Bankside House, Southwark, London SE1

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing Bankside House and redeveloping it with student accommodation, commercial and community uses, landscaping and public realm improvements.

“Development Management planning application: Application 25/AP/2480 for: Full Planning Permission…”

“Proposal: Demolition of the existing building and hardstanding and redevelopment of Bankside House to provide one mixed- use building of three distinct built elements connected by a pavilion level to provide purpose-built student accommodation with ancillary facilities (Sui Generis) and ground floor commercial floorspace, café and retail (Use Class E) and community facilities (Use Class F1/F2), (including part use as a hotel Class C1 [and/or for the provision of other…”

Officer report

The site and existing use

The 0.44-hectare site contained catered student accommodation with ancillary conference, hotel and summer school facilities in a highly accessible urban area.

“The 0.44-hectare site comprises a building known as Bankside House that currently contains catered student accommodation (Sui Generis) with ancillary conference, hotel and summer school facilities (used outside of the typical term time by London School of Economic students).”

“The site is within the Bankside, Borough and London Bridge Opportunity Area and the Central Activities Zone, in an area of the highest transport accessibility. It does not sit within a conservation area and does not contain any listed buildings.”

Officer report

Planning history

Earlier permissions covered student and hotel use and an unimplemented extension, while a 2025 screening opinion found the redevelopment was not EIA development.

“25/AP/0100 dated 31.03.25 for Request for an EIA Screening Opinion for redevelopment of the existing site to provide student accommodation within a single building comprising three distinct built-elements for use by LSE students. It was confirmed it is not EIA development.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the scheme intensified an established use, provided affordable student accommodation, public facilities and public realm benefits, subject to conditions and legal obligations.

“In land use terms, the development would result in an intensification of an existing established educational use and living accommodation in a well- connect location. The proposals will deliver high quality PBSA which will complement the existing student accommodation nearby and will make a positive contribution to Opportunity Area and District Town Centre.”

“Having given this application careful consideration, officers recommend the application for approval, subject to conditions and completion of a section 106 agreement.”

Officer report

Main effects considered

The assessment considered housing, design, heritage, residential amenity, transport, environmental matters, ecology, sustainability, archaeology and planning obligations.

“Principle of the proposed development in terms of land use; • Environmental impact assessment • Affordable housing and development viability • Quality of residential accommodation – PBSA • Design, including layout, building heights, landscaping • Heritage considerations • Archaeology • Impact of proposed development on amenity of adjoining occupiers and • surrounding area, including privacy, daylight and sunlight • Transport and highways, including servicing, car parking…”

“Socio-economic impacts • Planning obligations (S.106 undertaking or agreement) • Mayoral and borough community infrastructure levy (CIL) • Community engagement; • Consultation responses; and • Community impacts, equalities and human rights.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors, the applicant’s representatives and Councillor Victor Chamberlain addressed the committee and answered members’ questions.

The committee vote

The committee carried a motion to grant permission as set out on paper, followed by a carried motion granting permission with additional conditions.

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

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

Minutes

The decision

Full planning permission was granted subject to conditions, Mayoral referral, a satisfactory legal agreement and due regard to equalities 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…”

Minutes