The Planning Committee (Major Applications) B meeting was scheduled to discuss the release of funds from Section 106 agreements to support affordable housing delivery and consider three major development management applications. These applications included proposals for purpose-built student accommodation and commercial space at Ossory Road, social rented homes at Credon House, and a hotel with cultural uses at Southwark Bridge Road.

Release of £3,271,619.64 from S106 Agreements for Affordable Housing

The committee was scheduled to consider the release of £3,271,619.64 from Section 106 (S106) agreements to support the delivery of affordable housing within the borough. These funds, received from legal agreements with developers, are intended to mitigate the impacts of development and contribute to the provision of infrastructure and facilities. The report indicated that these funds would be allocated to the council's New Homes Programme, which aims to build new affordable homes as part of its commitment to deliver 11,000 new council homes by 2043. The S106 monies are a key part of the funding strategy for this programme, alongside grants, other capital receipts, and borrowing. The report highlighted that the use of these funds, like all funding streams, is subject to conditions and restrictions outlined in an annual financing statement. The release of these funds would enable them to be used to help finance the council's New Homes Programme, which has already contributed to the delivery of 305 new affordable homes since July 2020.

Development Management Applications

25/AP/2564 - 2-10 & 14-22 Ossory Road, London, SE15

This application was scheduled for discussion regarding the demolition of the existing building at 2-10 Ossory Road and the construction of two buildings. These buildings were proposed to provide commercial floorspace (Class E) and purpose-built student accommodation (Sui Generis), along with associated access, highways works, amenity space, and cycle parking. The proposal included a 13-storey building at 2-10 Ossory Road and a 12-storey building at 14-22 Ossory Road, offering 465 student bedspaces and 2,466 sqm of commercial floorspace. The report noted that this application was linked to a separate application for the redevelopment of Credon House, Verney Road, for social rented homes. The executive summary indicated that the principle of delivering purpose-built student housing on this site was considered acceptable, as it would also deliver the equivalent of 37.8% affordable housing off-site at Credon House. The report also detailed proposed student room types, CO2 savings, urban greening factors, and landscaping plans.

25/AP/2566 - Credon House, Verney Road, London, SE16 3BA

This application concerned the demolition of the existing three-storey building at Credon House and the construction of a 14-storey building to provide 26 new affordable social rented homes. These homes were to comprise 23 four-bedroom, five-person properties and three two-bedroom, four-person wheelchair accessible homes. The report highlighted that this scheme was linked to the application for the redevelopment of sites on Ossory Road, providing the off-site affordable housing element for those developments. The executive summary indicated that the principle of providing new residential buildings on this site was supported, aligning with the Old Kent Road Area Action Plan. The proposed homes were noted to meet or exceed quality standards, with all properties being dual or triple aspect. The report also detailed proposed open space, play space, and carbon savings.

25/AP/3515 - 22-24 Southwark Bridge Road, SE1 9HB

This application was scheduled for consideration regarding the partial demolition of 22 and 24 Southwark Bridge Road and the redevelopment of the site for hotel use (Class C1) with flexible cultural uses (Sui Generis) at ground floor level. The proposal included associated landscaping, access, servicing, plant, and equipment. The executive summary detailed plans for an 18-storey building (maximum height 58.9m AOD) to accommodate a 530-bed hotel with amenity spaces, and 408 sqm of flexible cultural use at ground floor. The report noted that the site had a previous Resolution to Grant Planning Permission for an office building, which was a material consideration. The marketing assessment submitted with the application indicated a decline in demand for office floorspace and a lack of viable offers, supporting the shift to a hotel use. The proposal was described as delivering a high-quality hotel, contributing to visitor accommodation demand, and creating employment opportunities. The cultural use was intended to be a multifunctional event space, studio, and workspace, co-designed with local input. The application also included a Community Investment Programme aimed at delivering benefits to the local neighbourhood. The report detailed proposed hotel design standards, internal design, wheelchair accessibility, architectural treatment, materials, and public realm enhancements.