At a meeting of the Lambeth Council Planning Applications Committee, Councillor Joanne Simpson, Animal Welfare Champion, presiding, a pre-application presentation for Vauxhall Square was heard, and permission was granted for developments at land between Somerleyton Road and the rail line, and at Charters Close.

Vauxhall Square Pre-Application

A pre-application presentation was given for a large, high-density mixed-use development across seven buildings at Vauxhall Square, including housing, co-living, student housing, office space, a hotel, retail, a cinema, community uses, a new public realm and landscaping. The committee asked questions but made no decision on the merits of the scheme.

Liam Lawson Jones, DP9 planning consultant, Jason Tracey, BMOAR developer, and Fred Pilbrough of Architects Pilbrough and Partners presented the scheme.

The development team stated that the scheme had secured funding and could be delivered in seven to eight years. They also emphasised the importance of high-quality landscape space and committed to opening new connections to the Lambeth Road.

Committee members raised concerns about:

• Accessibility for disabled people
• The impact of shading from the tall buildings on the proposed central park and existing houses and flats on Wandsworth Road
• The mix of uses, including the need for a GP practice, a cinema, and retail outlets
• The height of the buildings and their impact on the Westminster World Heritage site
• Sustainability claims
• The accessibility of the site
• The design journey in response to the Design Review Panel
• Consideration of the LGBT community in Vauxhall
• Employment opportunities for local people
• Whether anything can be reserved as key worker housing.

Land Between Somerleyton Road and Rail Line

The committee voted to grant conditional planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings (excluding Brixton House and 16-22 Somerleyton Road) and redevelopment to provide a residential-led mixed-use development on land between Somerleyton Road and the rail line, excluding Brixton House and 16-22 Somerleyton Road. The development includes 378 residential dwellings, flexible commercial space, flexible community space, servicing, car parking, and public realm improvements.

Richard Cattell, planning consultant from Smith & Fyfe Planning Consortium, Deccan Higgins, Chief Executive Officer of Higgins, and Councillor Scarlett O'Hara, representing Brixton Windrush Ward, spoke in support of the application. Councillor Hashie spoke on behalf of Councillor Anyanwu.

The committee heard that the development would provide 56% affordable homes, including 63 extra care homes, and would re-provide space for the Brixton Street Gym. Concerns were raised about the impact on neighbouring residents' sunlight and daylight and the provision of play space for older children.

Councillor Emma Nye requested that the money for replacement canopy cover be spent within Windrush ward.

The committee voted to accept the officer's recommendation, subject to the addition of condition 37 and several informatives:

• Ward councillors to be consulted on the off-site contribution to older play space
• The landscaping condition and secure by design to ensure a particular focus is given to Somerleyton Passage
• That the CAVAC contribution be spent on replacement canopy cover in Windrush Ward
• That Evelyn Grace is liaised with regarding employment opportunities.

Land at Charters Close

The committee voted to grant conditional planning permission for the redevelopment of a disused car park at Charters Close to provide 18 affordable independent living homes for young adults aged 18-25.

Joseph Anstey, speaking on behalf of the Charters for Emergency Residence Association, objected to the scheme, citing concerns about traffic, safety, lack of community space, and the integration of new residents with the existing community. Sally Allup and Robin McGrenary from Centrepoint, and James Constant, reading a statement on behalf of a Centrepoint resident, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the need for affordable housing for young people and the benefits of the independent living program. Councillor Clark asked if care leavers might be part of the allocation.

Councillor Scott Ainslie raised concerns about the small size of the units (26.26 square metres, below the GLA's recommended minimum of 37 square metres).

The committee agreed to accept the officer's recommendation, including amendments to the conditions and an informative that weather proofing is explored within the external amenity space, and it was minuted that the committee would like to see the BNG spending within the local area.