The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B of Southwark Council was scheduled to consider a significant planning application for the redevelopment of sites at 4-5 Paris Garden and 18-19 Hatfields in London SE1 8ND. The committee was also due to review a listed building consent application related to the same area.

Redevelopment of 4-5 Paris Garden and 18-19 Hatfields

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a planning permission application (23/AP/3068) for the part demolition and retention, refurbishment, and extension of 4-5 Paris Garden. This would involve the demolition and redevelopment of 18-19 Hatfields to create a new building ranging from five to eleven storeys. The proposal includes Use Class E(g)(i) floorspace¹, basement car and cycle parking, a servicing area, an external landscaped courtyard connecting Paris Garden and Hatfields, landscaped terraces, and rooftop plant equipment.

The application also includes a listed building consent application (23/AP/3069) for structural and remedial works, as well as cosmetic repairs to the flank wall of 17 Hatfields.

The site, located at 4-5 Paris Garden and 18-19 Hatfields, London SE1 8ND, covers an area of 0.23 hectares. It is situated within several policy designations, including NSP23 (1-5 Paris Garden and 16-19 Hatfields), an Air Quality Management Area, the Bankside and Borough District Town Centre, and the Bankside, Borough and London Bridge Opportunity Area. The site is also part of the Central Activities Zone and Flood Zone 3a.

The proposal aims to provide approximately 14,799 sqm GIA of office space (Use Class E(g)(i)), an increase of 5,357 sqm GIA. It also includes provisions for affordable workspace, with 571 sqm GIA on-site and a payment in lieu for an additional 242.7 sqm GIA off-site. The plans detail the retention of 72% of the floorspace of 4-5 Paris Garden's structural frame. The building design includes five to eleven storeys, with landscaped terraces on the 5th, 8th, and 9th floors. Servicing is planned for the basement and ground floor. The proposal includes one disabled persons car parking space and 329 long-stay and 14 short-stay cycle parking spaces, with a payment in lieu for 45 off-site short-stay spaces.

Public realm improvements include an external courtyard designed to provide a landscaped east-west link between Paris Garden and Hatfields. There are also plans for public highway improvements under a Section 278 agreement² and a payment of £30,000 towards the reconstruction of an existing raised table on Hatfields.

The report pack also outlines the proposed ground floor layout, which includes an east-west link with an archway through No. 4 Paris Garden, a landscaped courtyard with direct access to the main reception lobby, and a prominent main entrance door. The core of the building is located to the south, with dedicated areas for refuse, delivery, and cycle access. The design incorporates double-height glazed arches in the façade to promote activity and views.

Typical floor plans suggest flexible floorplates, a central foyer accessed from the main stair/lift lobby, and views across an atrium. The design includes break-out spaces, meeting rooms with external views, and support rooms such as printing facilities and kitchens. The basement level is also detailed in the report pack.

The site benefits from an extant planning permission (ref. 17/AP/4230) for a part 23 and part 26 storey office tower, above a new public space, with flexible commercial uses at ground and third floor levels. This existing permission also included partial demolition, refurbishment, and extension of 16-17 Hatfields and 1-3 Paris Garden for continued use as offices, with flexible commercial uses and the creation of a new publicly accessible roof terrace.

The report pack also included images and diagrams illustrating the site location, existing site, masterplan, building design, elevations, ground floor, typical floor, basement, architecture, and appearance, as well as details relating to the listed building consent application.