The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 03 February 2026, discussing four planning applications. Decisions were made to grant permission for the garage blocks in Stockwell, and for Lambeth College's campus extension, while the application for 250 Kennington Lane was refused, and permission was granted for the change of use at 202 Lambeth Road.

Garage Blocks, Leverhurst Way, Stockwell

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the demolition of existing garage blocks at Leverhurst Way, Stockwell, and the erection of two five-storey buildings to provide 18 flats. The development will include 51% socially rented units, comprising four one-bedroom, one two-bedroom, and four three-bedroom units. Market housing will consist of two one-bedroom and seven two-bedroom units. The scheme also includes alterations to the Surridge Court building entrance and refurbishment of Memorial Square. Arguments for the development centred on the provision of much-needed housing, including affordable units, and improvements to public realm. Concerns raised by Councillor Scott Ainslie and others related to the impact on daylight for neighbouring properties, particularly at Richardson Court, with some windows experiencing reductions of 14-15% in Vertical Sky Component (VSC). However, it was noted that these were primarily to bedrooms and kitchens, and that main living spaces would remain unaffected. The issue of embodied carbon was also raised, with officers stating that it was not a mandatory requirement for this type of application. Councillor Malcolm Clark and Councillor Martin Bailey both spoke in favour, highlighting the efficient use of a brownfield site and the provision of affordable housing. The decision was unanimous.

250 Kennington Lane, Vauxhall

The committee resolved to refuse planning permission for the demolition of existing office buildings at 250 Kennington Lane and the erection of a ground plus seven-storey building for purpose-built student accommodation, including ground-floor food and beverage use and a basement flexible venue space. The refusal was based on concerns regarding the loss of employment floor space without sufficient marketing evidence, and the argument that the development was not a truly mixed-use scheme, potentially impacting the social and economic vitality of the area. While officers acknowledged conflicts with policy regarding marketing and the definition of mixed-use, they highlighted the benefits of the scheme, including the provision of student accommodation, which is encouraged by the London Plan, and the potential to alleviate pressure on the private rented sector. The applicant, International Students' House (ISH), proposed 177 student rooms, with 35% affordable housing, and community benefits such as job creation and flexible community spaces. Supporters, including Martin Chalker, Chief Executive of ISH, and former student Diana Cartana, emphasised the charity's mission and the positive impact on students. Karen Chamberlain, head teacher of Lillian Bayliss Technology School, spoke about potential partnerships. Councillor Malcolm Clark expressed reservations about the scheme's policy compliance, particularly regarding the definition of mixed-use and the range of accommodation types. Councillor Scott Ainslie raised concerns about whole-life carbon assessments and the potential over-concentration of student accommodation. Councillor Diogo Costa and Councillor Issa Issa supported the application, citing the need for student housing and the potential for community benefits. Ultimately, the committee voted to refuse the application, with Councillor Joanne Simpson, Chair, expressing concerns about the economic harm and lack of robust justification for the loss of employment space.

Lambeth College, 45 Clapham Common South Side, London

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the demolition of the sports hall at Lambeth College's Clapham campus and the erection of a four-storey extension to Block A, creating approximately 5,000 square metres of educational floor space. This extension will house a new gateway centre, refectory, student hub, learning support rooms, and an external terrace. The decision aligns with the college's estate strategy, agreed with the Department for Education, which aims to rationalise its campuses. A statement on behalf of sports students objected to the proposal, citing misrepresentation of the sports hall's current usage levels and the potential adverse impact on students with protected characteristics and community users. They argued that an Equality Act 2010 impact assessment had not been undertaken and requested a condition requiring the replacement of sports facilities before demolition. Nawal Awitip, representing the applicant, stated that the sports hall is a private facility, not for community use, and is underutilised, with sports provision being rationalised across the college's campuses. Councillor Martin Bailey questioned the future provision of sports-related courses and facilities. The committee voted to approve the recommendation, with Councillor Clark seconding the motion.

202 Lambeth Road, London

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the change of use of an existing office building at 202 Lambeth Road to a special educational needs (SEN) school, along with minor external and internal ancillary works. The proposal includes landscaping, cycle parking, and collapsible bollards. John Holbrook, a resident of 204 Lambeth Road, raised concerns about student entry and exit points, requesting a condition that pupils use the rear entrance via Archbishop's Park and not the main entrance on Lambeth Road. He also expressed concerns about vehicles turning right out of the site onto Lambeth Road, suggesting a left turn only. Jolyon Luke, a governor of Fairley House School, supported the application, explaining that the school caters to students with specific learning difficulties and that the site would be co-located with their junior school. He confirmed that students would use the park entrance and that parking would be limited. Councillor Martin Bailey and Councillor Issa Issa supported the application, with Councillor Bailey requesting clarity on partnerships with local schools and good practice. The committee agreed to a condition that the existing entrance at 218-220 Lambeth Road remains the only entrance and exit for pupils, and that the status quo regarding the no right turn from the site is maintained. The decision was unanimous.