The Planning Committee B of Lewisham Council met on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, to discuss three planning applications. The committee approved the redevelopment of the Lewisham Islamic Centre, the conversion and extension of Catford Police Station to provide affordable housing, and the construction of two new semi-detached houses on Chilthorne Close.

Redevelopment of Lewisham Islamic Centre Approved

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings at 363-369 Lewisham High Street and 2A/B Mount Pleasant Road, SE13, and the construction of a four-storey plus basement building to accommodate a place of worship and ancillary uses, alongside an adjoining three-storey residential block of six apartments. The proposal was approved subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement.

The redevelopment aims to address the current capacity limitations, parking pressures, and lack of adequate lobby and worship space at the Lewisham Islamic Centre. The new facility will significantly increase the centre's capacity and improve its facilities, including meeting rooms, classrooms, and a library. The residential component will provide six new homes, including three family-sized units.

Concerns raised by local residents regarding increased traffic, parking stress, and the loss of the Zaitoon Nursery were addressed. Officers noted that while the loss of the nursery was regrettable, sufficient alternative provision exists locally. Mitigation measures for traffic and parking include a car-free development, a comprehensive Travel Plan, an Event Management Strategy, and a financial contribution towards a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) consultation. The design was considered to be of exceptional quality and would become a landmark building.

Catford Police Station Redevelopment for Affordable Housing

Planning permission was granted for the change of use of the former Catford Police Station at 333 Bromley Road, SE6, to provide 63 new dwellings through conversion and extensions. The development will be 100% affordable housing, comprising 29 social rent units and 34 intermediate rent units. The proposal includes the retention of the locally listed police station building, with new blocks of five and six storeys to the rear.

The scheme was praised for its 100% affordable housing provision, exceeding the London Plan's requirement of 50%. The design was considered to retain the architectural interest of the locally listed building while providing new, high-quality homes. The development will also open up the site with a new public pedestrian and cycle route between Bromley Road and Connersborough Crescent.

Objections from local residents focused on overdevelopment, scale, loss of amenity, parking, and traffic. Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting the design's response to the local context, the provision of adequate amenity space, and the car-free nature of the development (except for two disabled parking spaces). The applicant, Phoenix Community Housing, a not-for-profit housing association, has a strong record of delivering affordable housing.

Two New Houses Approved on Chilthorne Close

Permission was granted for the construction of two two-storey semi-detached houses on land east of 14 Chilthorne Close, SE6. The proposal was deemed acceptable despite previous refusals and an appeal dismissal on grounds related to parking and biodiversity.

Officers determined that the amenity function of the site as open space was no longer required due to the availability of nearby parks and open spaces. The design was considered to be in keeping with the character of the area, and the proposed dwellings would provide an acceptable standard of residential amenity. The development would be car-free, with future occupiers unable to obtain residents' parking permits, mitigating concerns about on-street parking stress. Biodiversity enhancements, including native planting and living roofs on cycle and bin stores, were also secured through conditions.

The previous refusal reason regarding parking was addressed by the applicant agreeing to a legal agreement to prevent future occupiers from obtaining residents' parking permits. The Inspector's concerns regarding biodiversity were addressed through revised landscaping and the inclusion of specific habitat features. The development was considered to make an efficient use of land and contribute to the borough's housing targets.

Attendees:

• Councillor Jack Lavery (Chair)
• Councillor John Muldoon (Vice-Chair)
• Councillor Suzannah Clarke
• Councillor Rosie Parry
• Councillor Jacq Paschoud
• Councillor James Rathbone
• Councillor Rudi Schmidt
• Samantha Federico (Committee Officer)
• Jeremy Chambers (Director of Law and Corporate Governance)
• Aaron Lau (Team Leader for the South Area)
• Thomas Simnett (Senior Planning Officer)
• Dean Gibson (Principal Planning Officer)
• Amanda Ghani (Area Team)

Documents:

• Agenda frontsheet 25th-Nov-2025 19.00 Planning Committee B.pdf
• Public reports pack 25th-Nov-2025 19.00 Planning Committee B.pdf
• Minutes Public Pack 18092025 Planning Committee B.pdf