Here is a summary of the scheduled discussions for the Planning Committee B meeting. The meeting's agenda included declarations of interest from committee members and a planning application concerning Hesper House, Wells Park Road, SE26 6RQ. The report pack included a recommendation for approval of the planning application.

Planning Application for Hesper House

The main item for consideration was a report regarding an application for a minor material amendment relating to Hesper House, Wells Park Road, SE26 6RQ, submitted by Hesper House 2 Limited. The application, reference number DC/25/140357, was submitted under Section 73 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 and concerns modifications to a previously approved planning permission (DC/21/120262) dated 23 February 2023. The planning officer's report recommended that the committee grant permission for the application.

The proposed changes include:

• Increasing the number of flats from 15 to 17.
• A 300mm increase in the building footprint.
• Changes to the unit configuration, building access, internal layout, and elevations.
• Reconfiguration of the lower ground car park and additional cycle storage.
• Amendments to the roof design, including reconfigured rooftop stair core access and lift overrun, and relocation of communal outdoor amenity space and additional play space to the roof.
• Amendments to the landscape plan and ground floor plan, including a reconfigured ground floor building access with a centrally located entrance gate on the southern property boundary, reconfigured refuse storage, and a new play space on the eastern property boundary.

The report pack noted that the application was brought before the committee due to the submission of 12 objections from local residents.

Site and Context

Hesper House is located on the northern side of Wells Park Road and is occupied by a two-storey, single-family dwelling. The site slopes steeply from street level towards the rear boundary. The site is subject to a group Tree Preservation Order (TPO) made in May 2020. The surrounding area is predominantly residential, with Droitwich Close to the north and west, a five-storey block of flats (1-16 Greyfriars) directly adjoining to the east, and residential properties on Longton Avenue to the south. Sydenham Wells Park, a large public park, is located opposite the site. The site falls within a designated 'Area of Special Character' known as 'Sydenham Ridge'.

Relevant Planning History

The report pack listed several previous planning applications related to the site, including:

• DC/25/141961: Non-Material Amendment to amend the wording of a condition relating to piling. Decision pending.
• DC/25/141960: Details submitted pursuant to various conditions of planning permission DC/21/120262. Decision pending.
• DC/25/139790: Non-material amendment to change the development description. Granted 06/05/2025.
• DC/25/139313: Non-material amendment to change the development description. Refused 04/04/2025.
• DC/24/135392: Non-material amendment for variation to the wording of the development description and a condition, and remove conditions relating to air quality and obscure glazing. Withdrawn by applicant 07/03/25.
• DC/24/135091: Minor Material Amendment to vary the wording of conditions relating to approved plans and unit mix. Withdrawn by Applicant 07/03/25.
• DC/21/120262: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a five-storey building with 15 self-contained dwellings. Granted planning permission 15/02/2023.
• DC/19/133716: Demolition of existing buildings and construction of a five-storey building with 10 self-contained dwellings. Granted 13 January 2021.

Policy Context

The report pack stated that planning applications are required to be determined in accordance with the statutory development plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise, as per S38(6) Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 and S70 Town & Country Planning Act 1990. The National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (NPPF) and National Planning Policy Guidance 2014 (NPPG) are also relevant. The Development Plan comprises the London Plan (2021) and the Lewisham Local Plan 2020 2040 (2025).

Planning Considerations

The report pack identified several key planning considerations:

• Principle of Development
• Housing
• Urban Design
• Impact on Adjoining Properties
• Transport
• Sustainable Development
• Natural Environment
• Planning Obligations

Principle of Development

The report pack noted that Section 73 of the Town and County Planning Act 1990 allows local planning authorities to grant a fresh permission for the development of land without complying with conditions previously imposed. The National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) states that a minor material amendment is one whose scale and nature results in a development which is not substantially different from the one which has been approved .

Housing

The report pack stated that the London Plan sets a 10-year housing completion target for Lewisham, and the Lewisham Local Plan aims to significantly increase housing delivery. The report pack noted that the Housing Delivery Test results demonstrate that housing completions in Lewisham are significantly underperforming.

Urban Design

The report pack stated that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) states that the creation of high quality, beautiful and sustainable buildings and places is fundamental to what the planning and development process should achieve. The report pack also stated that the London Plan reinforces the principles of the NPPF, setting out a clear rationale for high-quality urban design that responds to a site's capacity.

Transport Impact

The report pack stated that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) requires the planning system to actively manage growth to support transport-related objectives, including addressing the impact on the transport network and promoting walking, cycling, and public transport use.

Natural Environment

The report pack stated that the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Planning Policy Guidance (NPPG) promote the conservation and enhancement of the natural environment. The report pack also stated that the 2021 Environment Act introduces the requirement for every planning permission granted to achieve a biodiversity net gain (BNG) of 10%.

Public Health, Well-being and Safety

The report pack stated that the Lewisham Local Plan states that development should apply 'Secured by Design' principles.

Recommendation

The report pack included a recommendation to grant permission subject to conditions and the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement.