The Planning Committee A of Lewisham Council met on 24 June 2025 to consider several planning applications, including a retrospective application for alterations to a pub in the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area¹, and a proposal for a traveller site in Bellingham. The committee was also scheduled to confirm the minutes of a previous meeting and to consider declarations of interest from members.

Here are the main points that were scheduled to be discussed:

29 Wynell Road

Councillors were scheduled to consider a full planning permission application for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a four-storey building containing eight flats at 29 Wynell Road. The proposal included associated cycle and refuse storage, solar panels, landscaping, and boundary treatments.

The planning officer, John Rapson, recommended approval of the application, noting that it had been brought before the committee due to more than 10 objections having been received.

Key issues raised in the report pack included:

• The principle of development, with the site having characteristics of an infill site².
• The design of the building, and whether it would make a high quality positive contribution to the area.
• The impact on the amenity of neighbouring buildings in terms of loss of privacy, daylight/sunlight, outlook and creation of sense of enclosure.
• Whether the proposal would accord with DM Policy 33 of the Development Management Local Plan.
• Whether the proposal would deliver enough affordable or accessible housing.

The report pack noted that 20 responses had been received, comprising 19 objections, one neutral comment, and one comment in support. Concerns raised in objection included overdevelopment, loss of daylight and sunlight, loss of outlook, loss of privacy, loss of site access, impact on heritage assets, harm to the character of the area, harm to trees, loss of natural habitat/biodiversity and flood risk.

Skehans Freehouse, 1 Kitto Road

The committee was scheduled to discuss a retrospective application for the construction of a terrace above the existing conservatory and the construction of an elevated walkway at Skehans Freehouse, 1 Kitto Road, in the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area. The application was brought before the committee because it had been 'called in' by a local ward Councillor.

The planning officer, Alfie Williams, recommended that planning permission be granted.

The report pack noted that representations were received from 18 residents comprising 18 objections, and a petition against the development with 20 signatures was also submitted. The Telegraph Hill Society also objected to the development.

Key issues included:

• The impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting and significance of the locally listed building.
• Whether the design and materials were appropriate.
• Whether the development would obscure views of the hayloft and stables.
• Adverse privacy impacts.
• Increased noise and disturbance.
• Flaws with the acoustic report.
• Adverse light pollution.

The report pack noted that a minor variation application to add a restrictive condition to the licence had been granted in November 2024, stating that The small external upper deck area at the premises will only be used up to 22:00hrs daily. After 22:00 the area will be closed.

Pool Court, Fordmill Road

The committee was scheduled to consider an application from Lewisham Council, for planning permission for pitches on a Traveller's site in Pool Court, Fordmill Road. The proposal was for a new traveller site, and this application was for Phase 1, which would provide up to three travellers pitches/three dwellings. The application was brought before the committee for a decision following the outcome of a Committee Review Meeting, due to the submission of an objection from the Culverley Green Residents Association.

The planning officer, Dean Gibson, recommended approval of the application.

The report pack noted that 12 responses had been received, comprising nine individual objections and one petition objecting, and two supporting.

Key issues included:

• The principle of development, with the land being subject of a Site Allocation in the emerging local plan for provision of gypsy and traveller accommodation.
• Whether the development would be out of character with Pool Court.
• Whether the development would lead to anti-social behaviour and crime.
• Whether the development would lead to degradation of the Site of Importance for Nature Conservation³.

145 Winlaton Road, Bromley

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the construction of a single-storey rear extension at 145 Winlaton Road, Bromley. The application was brought before the committee for a decision as the applicant is an employee of the council.

The planning officer, Beverley Bewaji, recommended approval of the application.

The report pack noted that one objection was received, regarding delivery vehicles blocking a garage.