The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for a six-storey residential development at 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, and approved the temporary erection of a dining marquee at Alleyn's School, Townley Road.

56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, London SE5 0LQ

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing youth club and the erection of a six-storey building to provide 39 dwellings at 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell. The development will include 40% on-site affordable housing, cycle and refuse storage, and community and private amenity space. A financial contribution of £42,700 will be made towards the 10-year maintenance of the adjacent ball court.

The proposal was met with objections from local residents who raised concerns about the scale of the development, the loss of a community facility, and the impact on neighbours and local infrastructure. However, the committee noted that the former youth club had been vacant since 2016 and had been sufficiently marketed without receiving serious offers. The development was deemed to comply with affordable housing policies, with 25% social rented and 15% shared ownership provision. The design was considered to be contemporary yet contextual, echoing the style of nearby estate blocks. Conditions were imposed regarding the retention of the green roof and landscaping, and a Section 106 agreement was required to secure various planning obligations, including contributions towards children's play space and highway works.

Alleyn's School, Townley Road, Southwark SE22 8SU

Planning permission was granted for the temporary erection of a dining marquee at Alleyn's School, Townley Road, to provide dining facilities during the construction of a new dining hall. The marquee will be in place until 31 October 2028.

The application site is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), and the committee considered its impact on the openness of this designation. It was determined that the temporary marquee, sited predominantly on hardstanding and adjacent to an existing building, would not materially affect the openness of the MOL. The design was considered acceptable, and its limited visibility from the surrounding area meant it would not harm the character of the Dulwich Village Conservation Area or the setting of the locally listed school building. Concerns regarding tree protection and biodiversity were addressed through an amendment to the marquee's location, and it was noted that the proposal falls within the 'de minimis' exemption for biodiversity net gain. A condition was imposed to control noise from any plant associated with the marquee.