The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 23 October 2024 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on development management proposals, specifically focusing on applications for a hotel in Borough High Street, a food kiosk in Peckham Rye, and sports netting in Dulwich Village.

291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the change of use of ground floor retail and upper floor offices at 291-299 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JG to create a 47-bedroom hotel. The proposal also included an ancillary café at ground floor level and the use of an existing roof terrace as amenity space for hotel guests.

The report pack indicated that the application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement would include a financial contribution of £35,733.00 towards training and jobs for local people, to mitigate the loss of employment floorspace. Concerns raised by local residents included risks to health and safety during construction, increased air and noise pollution, overlooking from the rooftop terrace, increased traffic, inadequate refuse storage, and an over-saturation of hotels in the area. The report also detailed considerations regarding fire safety, transport and highways, and environmental matters, including air quality.

Pavement between 285 Rye Lane and 289 Peckham Rye, London SE15 4UA

A proposal for the erection of a temporary food kiosk (Class E(a)) for a period of three years was scheduled for discussion. This application was noted as a departure from Policy P57 of the Southwark Plan 2022, which generally prohibits development on Metropolitan Open Land (MOL). The kiosk, measuring 3m high, 4.5m wide, and 4m deep, was proposed to sell vegetarian/vegan salads, wraps, and mocktails.

The report pack highlighted that the site is designated as MOL, a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), and within the Peckham Major Town Centre. Objections from the public included concerns about an overconcentration of food businesses, impact on existing local businesses, increased congestion and litter, unsuitable placement near pedestrian crossings, and potential contamination of food from exhaust fumes. The report noted that the proposed use would be restricted to Class E(a) (display or retail sale of goods, other than hot food) to comply with policies regarding hot food takeaways. The temporary nature of the kiosk and its location on hardstanding were considered to mitigate impacts on the MOL.

12 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7AL

The committee was set to consider an application for the erection of netting, approximately 4m from the fence line with 26 and 28 Dulwich Village, measuring 3m high and 40m wide. This proposal was intended to support the continued use of football pitches at Griffin Sports Club.

The site is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC), and within the Dulwich Village Conservation Area. The report indicated that the proposal met national and local planning policy tests for appropriate development within MOL, as it was considered essential for outdoor recreation and would not detract from the openness or character of the area. The small scale of the netting and its positioning were deemed to have minimal impact on the surrounding area and the conservation area. The report also noted that no objections had been received from the public or local groups. The application was recommended for approval, subject to conditions.