The Strategic Planning Committee of Lewisham Council met on Tuesday 24 February 2026 to discuss the planning application for Sun Wharf, Creekside, SE8. The committee resolved to grant planning permission for the development, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and appropriate planning conditions.

Sun Wharf, Creekside, London SE8

The committee considered a planning application for the demolition of existing buildings at Sun Wharf, Creekside, SE8, and the comprehensive redevelopment to provide three new buildings. The proposal includes 605 purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) bedspaces in Block A, and 50 affordable residential dwellings (C3 use class) in Block B. The development also incorporates 1,443sqm of commercial floorspace, including a café and creative workspaces, and improvements to the river wall and public riverside walkway.

The application was recommended for approval by officers, who highlighted that the proposed development would deliver significant public benefits, including 50 affordable homes, the equivalent of 242 C3 dwellings through the PBSA provision, employment opportunities, and public realm enhancements. These benefits were considered to outweigh the identified harms, primarily relating to the impact on neighbouring occupiers' daylight and sunlight, and the loss of the existing Sand Martin/Kingfisher bank.

During the meeting, Councillor Rosie Parry raised concerns about the height and scale of the development, particularly in relation to its similarity to a previously consented scheme, and the impact on neighbouring properties at Kent Wharf. Geoff Whitington, Principal Planning Officer, clarified that while some units would experience reductions in daylight and sunlight, these impacts were comparable to the extant permission and were outweighed by the public benefits. He also explained that the tilted balance principle, stemming from the Council's failure to meet housing delivery targets, favoured granting permission unless adverse impacts significantly and demonstrably outweighed the benefits.

Phoebe Juggins, representing the applicant Your Tribe, explained that the current application was a fresh submission due to significant changes in regulatory, economic, and market realities since the previous consent, making the original scheme undeliverable. She emphasised their intention to commence work promptly and highlighted the provision of 50 affordable homes, with a majority being social rent, and the creation of employment space, including affordable workspace.

Residents from Kent Wharf, represented by Lawrence Pileski and Robert Call, objected to the application, citing unacceptable losses of daylight and sunlight, the overconcentration of student accommodation, and the environmental impact on Deptford Creek's wildlife. Councillor Dawn Atkinson, Ward Councillor for Deptford, also spoke against the application, echoing concerns about residential amenities and the unsuitability of luxury student accommodation for local needs.

The committee discussed the tilted balance in detail, with Councillor John Paschoud noting that policy changes since the previous application had shifted the balance in favour of approval. He ultimately proposed accepting the officer's recommendation to approve the application, which was seconded by Councillor Ese Erheriene. The committee voted in favour of granting permission.

The decision to grant planning permission was subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure various planning obligations, including affordable housing provisions, local labour contributions, and public realm improvements. Numerous conditions were also attached to the permission, covering aspects such as construction management, materials, landscaping, flood defence, and ecological enhancements.