The Lambeth Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday 28 October 2025 to discuss two key planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for a temporary Christmas tree market in Brockwell Park and approved a variation of planning permission for a residential development on Shakespeare Road, subject to a Section 106 agreement.

Brockwell Park Christmas Tree Market

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the temporary use of a section of Brockwell Park for a Christmas tree market between 1 November 2025 and 5 January 2026. The proposal, brought forward by Bushbay Ltd, involves temporary infrastructure including fencing, lighting, and sales kiosks. Officers considered the temporary use acceptable, noting it would not result in permanent loss of open space and would not harm heritage assets. Concerns raised by Councillor Paul Valentine regarding the duration of the permission and the use of the parkland were addressed by officers, who confirmed that the event had a history of operating without complaint and that licensing and planning conditions would ensure appropriate management. The committee unanimously approved the application, with Councillor Scott Ainslie seconding the motion.

Land to the East of Shakespeare Road Residential Development

The committee considered an application to vary condition 2 of a previous planning permission (20/01822/EIAFUL) for a residential development on land to the east of Shakespeare Road. The proposed amendments, submitted by L&G, include an increase in the number of homes from 218 to 278, an increase in building heights, and an increase in the number of affordable homes from 67 to 85. The application was considered a departure from the development plan due to the loss of a safeguarded waste site without equivalent replacement industrial floorspace, a matter unchanged from the original permission.

However, the committee granted conditional planning permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 deed, with six votes in favour and one against. The decision was influenced by the significant public benefits of increased housing delivery, particularly affordable housing, and the strengthened presumption in favour of brownfield development under the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). Councillor Diogo Costa spoke in favour, highlighting the need for social rent homes, while Councillor Scott Ainslie raised concerns about the height of the development and its impact on local views. Councillor Issa Issa questioned the viability assessment, and Councillor Emma Nye expressed concerns about daylight and sunlight impacts on neighbouring properties. Councillor Malcolm Clarke provided a balanced summary, acknowledging the benefits and policy departures. Councillor Joanne Simpson, Chair, proposed accepting the officer's recommendation, which was seconded by Councillor Malcolm Clarke. The motion was carried with votes in favour from Councillors Costa, Issa, Nye, Clarke, and Simpson, and against from Councillor Ainslie.

The committee also discussed the provision of affordable housing, with 35% of the development designated as affordable, comprising 52 social rent homes and 33 London Shared Ownership homes. Concerns were raised by Councillor Ainslie regarding the tenure split and the viability assessment, with James Purvis from BNP Paribas explaining the financial considerations. The committee also debated the impact on daylight and sunlight, particularly for residents of Kerin House, with the council's daylight and sunlight consultant, Mark Kidd, providing technical details. Concerns about the consultation process and the lack of a whole-life carbon assessment were also raised by Councillor Ainslie, though officers clarified that an assessment had been submitted and the GLA was satisfied. The committee ultimately voted to approve the officer's recommendation, with amendments to conditions and informatives regarding green roofs, employment training, and play space contributions.