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Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) - Tuesday 6 May 2025 7.00 pm

May 6, 2025 View on council website
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Summary

The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) was scheduled to discuss two planning applications: one for the redevelopment of South Dock Marina and another for the construction of new sports facilities at Dulwich Sports Club. The meeting was also scheduled to consider an addendum with clarifications, corrections, and further information about the South Dock Marina application.

South Dock Marina Redevelopment

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the refurbishment of South Dock Marina boatyard at Rope Street. The proposal included:

  • Demolition of all buildings and structures on the site.
  • Renewal of services infrastructure.
  • Construction of new workshops, studios, toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.
  • Construction of covered boat repair areas with a gantry and staircase.
  • Replacement of the existing crane with a new 50-tonne crane and pontoon.
  • Associated public realm works and additional trees along the river walk.

The report pack noted that the application was being determined by the Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) because the proposal exceeded 1000sqm and more than five relevant objections had been received.

Key issues outlined for consideration included:

  • Land use principles
  • Environmental impact
  • Design and heritage
  • Landscaping, trees, and urban greening
  • Ecology and biodiversity
  • Fire safety
  • Archaeology
  • Impact on amenity
  • Transport and highways
  • Flood risk
  • Land contamination
  • Air quality
  • Light pollution
  • Energy and sustainability
  • Planning obligations
  • Community infrastructure levy
  • Consultation responses
  • Community impact and equalities
  • Human rights

Of particular note was the discussion around affordable workspace, with the report pack stating that 80% of the new workspace would be affordable, exceeding the 10% requirement in the Southwark Plan 2022.

The addendum report noted a further representation from the Southwark Law Centre on behalf of the South Dock Marina Berth Holders Association, raising concerns about boatyard business units, a ban on sleeping on boats in the yard, and the loss of a community garden.

Dulwich Sports Club

The committee was scheduled to consider a full planning application for the construction of outdoor playing facilities and a sports pavilion at Dulwich Sports Club on Giant Arches Road. The proposal included:

  • Reducing the number of tennis courts from 11 to 10, but increasing the number of floodlit courts from 5 to 8.
  • Maintaining the number of croquet courts at 3.
  • Creating 5 new floodlit paddle courts.
  • Replacing the existing 4m high cricket netting with 10m high netting.
  • Constructing a sports pavilion with a croquet store, accessible WC, and an open-plan kitchenette and social space.

The report pack noted that the site is designated as Metropolitan Open Land1 and is adjacent to a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation. Key issues outlined for consideration included:

  • Land use principles, particularly regarding Metropolitan Open Land
  • Design
  • Impact on amenity
  • Noise and vibration
  • Energy and sustainability
  • Planning obligations
  • Community infrastructure levy
  • Other matters
  • Community involvement and engagement
  • Community impact and equalities
  • Human rights

The report pack also summarised the 374 comments received, including 71 objections relating to Metropolitan Open Land, ecology, amenity, traffic, and consultation. There were 299 comments in support, citing high-quality design, community benefits, and sustainable use of land.

The agenda noted that this application had been withdrawn by the applicant.


  1. Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) is a designation in Greater London that provides similar protections to green belt land. 

Attendees

Profile image for CouncillorCleo Soanes
Councillor Cleo Soanes  Labour •  Peckham
Profile image for CouncillorJane Salmon
Councillor Jane Salmon  Liberal Democrats •  Surrey Docks
Profile image for CouncillorSam Dalton
Councillor Sam Dalton  Deputy Cabinet Member for Supported Housing •  Labour •  London Bridge & West Bermondsey
Profile image for CouncillorSabina Emmanuel
Councillor Sabina Emmanuel  The Deputy Mayor of Southwark •  Labour •  Peckham
Profile image for CouncillorSam Foster
Councillor Sam Foster  Labour •  Faraday
Profile image for CouncillorAdam Hood
Councillor Adam Hood  Liberal Democrats •  Surrey Docks
Profile image for CouncillorRichard Livingstone
Councillor Richard Livingstone  Labour •  Old Kent Road
Beverley Olamijulo
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