The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B met on Wednesday 31 January 2024 and considered two major planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for a minor material amendment to the Liberty of Southwark development and approved amendments to a planning application at 5-13 Commercial Way, London, SE15.

Liberty of Southwark (formerly Landmark Court), Land bounded by Southwark Street, Redcross Way and Cross Bones Graveyard, London, SE1 1RQ

The committee granted planning permission for a minor material amendment to the existing planning permission for the Liberty of Southwark development. The proposed amendments include the addition of a permanent structure for a discovered mausoleum and mosaics, the creation of a community centre, and a change of use for 15 Southwark Street from retail/residential to retail/office. Other amendments involve reconfiguration of the basement, increased massing of office and residential buildings, updates to energy, sustainability, and fire safety strategies, and the creation of a new cycle hub with increased cycle parking.

The decision was made subject to conditions, the applicant entering into an appropriate legal agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London. In the event that the legal agreement is not met by 30th June 2023, the Director of Planning and Growth is authorised to refuse planning permission.

Amendments to Planning Application 19/AP/1974, 5-13 Commercial Way, London, SE15

The committee noted and considered an amendment to the affordable housing offer for the development at 5-13 Commercial Way, London, SE15. The revised proposal, which will be secured in a Section 106 legal agreement, reduces the affordable housing offer from 42% to 35% by habitable room. This change is attributed to evolving market circumstances and increased build costs, with the applicant arguing that the revised offer still delivers a policy-compliant amount of affordable housing. The committee agreed to the revised proposal.

The committee heard from officers and the applicant's representatives. There were no objectors or supporters in attendance for this item. The motion to grant the application was moved, seconded, put to the vote, and declared carried.