465-bed student accommodation at 2-10 Ossory Road And 14-20 Ossory Road, London SE1

What was proposed

The application proposed two buildings containing commercial space and 465 purpose-built student bedrooms, with access, highway works, amenity space and cycle parking.

“25/AP/2564) proposes the demolition of the existing building at 2-10 Ossory Road and construction of 12 storey building at 14-22 Ossory Road and 13 storey building at 2-10 Ossory Road to provide 2,466 sqm commercial floorspace (Class E) and 465 purpose built student accommodation bedrooms (Sui Generis) with associated access and highways works, amenity space and cycle parking.”

Officer report

The site and design

The scheme would replace an existing building with a tall, prominent corner development including communal gardens, play space, balconies and a roof terrace.

“The top of the building comprises a raised brick ‘pergola’ that frames the proposed roof top garden and creates a ‘top’ finish to the building, whilst also enclosing the roof level plant room areas and lift overrun.”

“The proposals at ground floor would provide a 118sqm communal garden and 95sqm of play space for the homes. A second roof terrace would also be provided at 14th floor roof level which would be 129sqm and provide 71sqm of play space. In total this would provide 81sqm of communal external amenity space across these two terraces. The proposal also includes 166sqm of children’s play space.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered housing and commercial development at Ossory Road and Credon House, but the relevant Ossory Road permission had not been implemented.

“2-10 Ossory Road – Ref:21/AP/3246 - Planning permission was granted for the Demolition of existing building and construction of a part one, part ten and part eleven storey building comprising up to 421sqm of Class E floorspace at ground floor and up to 117 homes (Class C3). (Linked Application with Credon House) Granted 17th January 2023. This permission has not yet been implemented.”

“Credon House – Verney Road. 21/AP/3247 – Planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing building and construction of a nine-storey building comprising up to 82sqm of Class E floorspace at ground floor and up to 22 social rented homes (Class C3). (Linked Application with 2-10 Ossory Road) Granted 17th January 2023. The application has not yet been implemented.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the proposal would deliver high-quality accommodation, affordable housing, transport improvements, urban greening and biodiversity benefits without unacceptable effects on neighbours.

“This application would optimise the re-use of this underutilised site, providing new affordable social ented housing. This would be supported by high quality hard- and soft-landscaped new public realm Verney and Varcoe Road.”

“The quality of the proposed residential accommodation is considered to be of a very high quality, meeting or exceeding the minimum space standards and providing 100% dual aspect accommodation alongside all homes having a minimum 10sqm of amenity space. Communal amenity spaces would be provided at ground and fourteenth floors alongside play space for under 5’s.”

Officer report

What people and consultees said

Twenty-three objections and three neutral comments raised concerns about light, height, construction, traffic, services, noise and public realm, while consultees generally supported approval with conditions.

“In total 26 comments have been received in response to the application, with 23 objections and three neutral comments. Of the comments received, they raise the following concerns:”

“The proposals would result in amenity impacts through a loss of light and overlooking. This includes impacts on the sunlight received within the adjacent gardens. • The proposed construction working hours exceed the normal working hours within Southwark. • The proposed height is excessive, seven stories would be more appropriate. • The proposals would have significant impacts on local services including medical practices and public transport.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Objectors and representatives of the applicant addressed the committee and answered members’ questions; no supporters or ward councillors wished to speak.

The committee’s discussion

Members questioned officers and heard from objectors and the applicant’s representatives before the meeting adjourned for legal advice.

“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

The vote and decision

A motion to grant permission as recommended was moved, seconded and carried, subject to conditions, a legal agreement and referral to the Mayor of London.

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

“That planning permission be granted subject to conditions, the applicant entering into an appropriate legal agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London.”

Minutes