Permanent public toilets at Camberwell Old Cemetery, London SE22

What was proposed

The application proposed replacing a temporary single-storey public toilet building with a permanent building and associated groundworks.

“The proposed development is for the replacement of the existing single storey temporary building providing public toilets within Camberwell Old Cemetery, with a new permanent single storey public toilet building and associated groundworks and making good.”

“The block would be a 16 square metre woodgrain metal clad modular unit with steel security shutters and an extensive green roof. It would have level access and accessible grab handles. The existing hardstanding would be adapted to support the new toilet provision.”

Officer report

The site

The site is within a large cemetery containing listed structures, wildlife features and Metropolitan Open Land designation.

“The site is mostly flat with some gentle slopes. At the main entrance, there is a gate lodge and a set of wrought and cast-iron gates and railings designed in the Gothic Revival style. Both the lodge and the gates are Grade II listed buildings. The cemetery is also an important wildlife and nature conservation site, containing woodland, mature trees, grassed areas, and more formally maintained grounds.”

“Green Chain Park • Site of Importance for Nature Conservation • Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) • Suburban Zone South 6. The site is not located within a conservation area. The Lodge to Camberwell Old Cemetery is Grade II listed, as are the gates, piers and railings to the cemetery. The Camberwell Old Cemetery War Memorial to the east of the site is also Grade II listed.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

The existing temporary toilets were permitted in 2014 and retained for a further five years in 2021, with permission expiring in April 2026.

“The existing building providing public toilets is temporary and was granted under planning permission 14/AP/1214 on 27 June 2014 for ‘Erection of a temporary building providing two new public toilets within the existing cemetery’.”

“Subsequently, planning permission 21/AP/0472 was granted on 22 April 2021 for ‘Variation to Condition 4 of planning application 14/AP/1214 for erection of a single storey temporary building providing 2 new public toilets within the existing cemetery. For the retention of the public toilet for a further 5 years’ This was subject to the following condition:”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval subject to conditions for a permanent facility of improved design and quality.

“It is recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to appropriate conditions, for the removal of the existing single-storey temporary public toilet building within Camberwell Old Cemetery and its replacement with a permanent single-storey facility of improved design and quality.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

The replacement would serve the cemetery, remain modest in scale, preserve openness, avoid neighbour impacts and include a green roof.

“Camberwell Old Cemetery as a cemetery is not listed, locally listed or in a conservation area. It is however a designated Green Chain Park, Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) and MOL.”

“The proposed toilet block would be a modular unit measuring 4.9m wide, 3.29m deep and 2.9m tall. It has a flat roof, slightly pitched to facilitate drainage, with eaves that overhangs by 0.18-0.24m. Two DDA WC units would be accommodated like the existing. While the proposed toilet block is slightly larger than the existing, it remains modest in scale in relation to the large cemetery in which it is sited.”

Officer report

Consultation response

Two site notices were displayed and no comments were received from members of the public.

“Two site notices were displayed on 01 October 2025 and as such the public consultation period expired on 22 October 2025.”

“No comments were received from members of the public.”

Officer report

Who spoke

No objectors, supporters or ward members addressed the committee, and the applicant and agent were absent.

Committee discussion

The committee heard the officer’s introduction and members asked officers questions.

“Replacement of the existing single storey temporary building providing public toilets within Camberwell Old Cemetery, with a new permanent single storey public toilet building, of the same size and on the same footprint. Includes associated groundworks and making good.”

“The committee heard the officer’s introduction to the report. Members of the committee asked questions of the officers.”

Minutes

The vote

A motion to grant permission subject to the report’s conditions was moved, seconded and carried.

“A motion to grant the application subject to conditions set out in the officer’s report, was moved, seconded, put to the vote and declared carried.”

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to the conditions set out in the report.

“That planning permission be granted subject to conditions set out in the report.”

Minutes