The Planning Committee B of Lewisham Council is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, 27 January 2026. The primary focus of this meeting will be a significant planning application for the redevelopment of the carpark at Blackheath Station.

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

The most substantial item on the agenda is a proposal for the construction of three buildings at the Carpark, Blackheath Station in Blackheath Village. The application, reference DC/25/139604, seeks planning permission for a mixed-use development comprising 45 residential units (Use Class C3), flexible commercial and learning spaces (Use Class E and F1), the provision of a farmers' market, and associated landscaping, cycle parking, car parking, and plant works.

The report pack indicates that this application has been brought before the committee due to the submission of 1202 valid planning objections. The proposal involves the redevelopment of the existing carpark, retaining only 17 public parking spaces, and introducing new buildings ranging from three to five storeys in height.

The report details extensive pre-application engagement and consultation, including reviews by the Council's Design Review Panel. It outlines the proposed design, which aims to respond to the site's context, including its location within the Blackheath Conservation Area and its proximity to the Grade II listed Blackheath Station.

Key considerations scheduled for discussion include:

• Principle of Development: The report will examine the suitability of redeveloping the carpark site, aligning with national and local policies that encourage the optimisation of underutilised brownfield land in sustainable urban locations.
• Housing: The proposal's contribution to local housing targets, including the provision of 45 residential units, with a significant proportion of family-sized homes and an affordable housing offer of 21.3% by habitable room, will be assessed. The report notes that the Council's performance against the Housing Delivery Test has triggered the tilted balance presumption in favour of granting planning permission.
• Town Centre and Economic Impact: The report will consider the impact of the development on the vitality and viability of Blackheath District Town Centre, including the provision of new commercial floorspace and the retention and integration of the existing farmers' market. Concerns raised by local businesses regarding the loss of parking and its potential impact on trade will be discussed.
• Urban Design and Heritage Impact: The design of the proposed buildings, their scale, massing, and materials will be evaluated in relation to their impact on the character and appearance of the Blackheath Conservation Area and the setting of nearby heritage assets, including the Grade II listed Blackheath Station and the locally listed Crown Public House. The report notes that less than substantial harm is identified to the Conservation Area and the setting of the Crown Public House, which will be weighed against the public benefits of the scheme.
• Living Conditions of Neighbours: The report will assess potential impacts on neighbouring properties, including enclosure, loss of outlook, privacy, daylight, sunlight, and noise. A materially harmful impact to sunlight levels at 7 Collins Street has been identified.
• Sustainable Development: The proposal's energy strategy, flood risk mitigation through sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and biodiversity net gain will be reviewed. The development is expected to achieve an 83% betterment in surface water run-off rates.
• Transport Impact: The significant reduction in public car parking capacity, the promotion of active travel, and the provision of new pedestrian routes and cycle facilities will be discussed. The report notes that while parking displacement is anticipated, it is considered acceptable in light of policy aims to reduce car dependency.
• Public Health and Safety: The report will consider the development's impact on public health and well-being, including accessibility, active travel, crime reduction, and fire safety. A desk-top Health Impact Assessment has concluded no significant adverse impacts.

The report concludes that the public benefits of the development, including housing delivery, affordable housing, urban greening, and promotion of active travel, are considered to outweigh the identified harms to heritage assets and neighbouring amenity. The recommendation is to grant permission, subject to the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and conditions.

The meeting will also address the minutes of previous Planning Committee B meetings held on 25 November and 4 December 2025, and members will be asked to declare any interests.