The Planning Committee B meeting on Tuesday, 27 January 2026, was scheduled to discuss a significant planning application for the redevelopment of Blackheath Station Carpark. The committee was also set to review the minutes from previous meetings and address declarations of interest.

Carpark Blackheath Station, Blackheath Village, London, SE3 9LE

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for planning permission at the Carpark, Blackheath Station, located in Blackheath Village. The proposal, referenced as DC/25/139604, involved the construction of three buildings ranging from three to five storeys. These buildings were planned to provide 45 residential units (Use Class C3), flexible commercial and learning spaces (Use Class E and F1), and incorporate a farmers' market, public square, cycle parking, car parking, and associated ancillary works.

The report pack detailed extensive pre-application engagement and consultation, including feedback from residents, businesses, and statutory consultees. A significant number of objections were received, raising concerns about the loss of the carpark, overdevelopment, impact on town centre vitality, heritage concerns within the Blackheath Conservation Area, highway and pedestrian safety, and the living conditions of neighbours. Conversely, comments in support highlighted the principle of development, housing delivery, the provision of affordable housing, and enhancements to the public realm.

Key planning considerations outlined in the report included:

• Principle of Development: The report noted that surface-level carparks in town centres are identified as suitable locations for higher-density mixed-use residential redevelopment, aligning with national and local planning policies.
• Housing: The development was expected to contribute 45 residential units, with a significant proportion of family-sized homes and an affordable housing offer of 21.3% by habitable room, which was considered the maximum viable amount.
• Town Centre and Economic Impact: The proposal included commercial floorspace and aimed to retain the existing farmers' market, though concerns were raised about the impact of reduced parking on town centre businesses.
• Urban Design and Heritage Impact: The design was intended to respond to the site's context and the Blackheath Conservation Area. However, less than substantial harm was identified to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and the setting of the locally listed Crown Public House, primarily due to the roof storey of Block A. This harm was to be weighed against the public benefits of the scheme.
• Living Conditions of Neighbours: Assessments were made regarding enclosure, outlook, privacy, daylight, sunlight, and noise. A material harm was identified regarding sunlight to the garden of 7 Collins Street.
• Sustainable Development: The development aimed to achieve a 35% carbon reduction beyond Building Regulations, incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems (SuDS) with an 83% betterment in surface water runoff rates, and deliver significant urban greening and biodiversity net gain.
• Transport Impact: The development would significantly reduce public car parking, with a focus on promoting active travel and public transport. A car-free approach for residents and businesses was proposed, with car club membership and provision for disabled parking.
• Public Health: A desk-top Health Impact Assessment concluded that the development would have generally acceptable impacts on health and well-being, with harm restricted to sunlight levels at one property.
• Natural Environment: The proposal was expected to deliver a significant uplift in biodiversity and urban greening, exceeding the statutory 10% biodiversity net gain requirement.

The report concluded that the public benefits of the development, including housing delivery, affordable housing, effective use of land, well-designed places, sustainable development, and promotion of active travel, were considered to decisively outweigh the identified less than substantial heritage harm and amenity harm. Therefore, the recommendation was to grant permission, subject to the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and a range of conditions and informatives.

The committee was also scheduled to review the minutes from previous Planning Committee B meetings held on 25 November 2025 and 4 December 2025, which covered decisions on applications at 363-365 Lewisham High Street, Catford Police Station, 14 Chilthorne Close, and Hesper House. Declarations of interest were also to be addressed.