530-bed hotel and cultural space at 22 -24 Southwark Bridge Road, Southwark, London SE1

The site and surroundings

The site contains two office buildings in the Central Activities Zone, beside Southwark Bridge Road, with high public transport accessibility and nearby heritage assets.

“The site measures approximately 0.25 hectares and is located in the Borough and Bankside ward. The site comprises two office buildings, consisting of a 6/7 storey red-brick building, known as 24 Southwark Bridge Road, in the southern part of the site; and a 7/8 storey stone clad building with large arched windows, known as City Gate House (No. Southwark Bridge Road), at the northern…”

“The site is located within the Central Activities Zone (CAZ) and the Bankside, Borough and London Bridge Opportunity Area. The site abuts Southwark Bridge Road, which is a classified A road (A300). The site is well served by public transport with a public transport accessibility level (PTAL) of 6b, on a scale of 1 to 6b where 6b is the most accessible, indicating excellent accessibility to public transport.”

Officer report

Earlier office redevelopment

An earlier office redevelopment had reached a resolution to grant, but its legal agreement was not signed before the site was sold.

“The site is subject to an application that has a Resolution to Grant (24/AP/2246). That scheme was for a 19,000sqm office building ranging in height from 7 to 12 storeys and involving the full demolition of 24 Southwark Bridge Road and partial demolition of 22 Southwark Bridge Road. The s106 agreement for this scheme has not been signed and the site has subsequently been sold.”

“Image above: Artist impression of the resolution to grant office scheme…”

Officer report

What residents and consultees said

Thirty-six consultation responses were received, including 31 objections about height, daylight, servicing, traffic, pollution, noise, hotel demand and public benefits.

“A total of 36 responses has been received of which 31 are objections. The responses received are summarised below:”

“Subject to conditions to control noise levels from plant, to restrict the use of the external terraces and to secure a hotel and cultural venue management plan it is not considered that unacceptable noise pollution would occur.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

Objectors, the applicant’s representatives and Councillor David Watson addressed the committee and answered questions; no nearby supporters wished to speak.

The committee vote

A motion to grant permission as recommended was moved, seconded and carried.

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

Minutes

The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and a legal agreement, with delegated authority for minor condition changes and possible refusal if requirements were not met.

“That planning permission is GRANTED subject to the recommended conditions, and the applicant entering into an appropriate legal agreement; and…”

“That the director of planning and growth be authorised under delegated authority to make any minor modifications to the proposed conditions arising out of detailed negotiations with the applicant, which may necessitate further modification and may include the variation, addition, or deletion of the conditions as drafted; and…”

Minutes