The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A is scheduled to consider a significant financial allocation for key projects and a proposal for solar panel installations on listed residential properties. The committee will also review two major development management applications.

Release of Funds for Key Projects

A substantial sum of £7,348,778.62 is scheduled for discussion, intended for the release to fund a series of key projects. The report pack details the proposed allocation of these funds.

Local Listed Building Consent Order for Solar Panels

The committee is set to consider the adoption of a local listed building consent order. This order would facilitate the installation of solar panels on Grade II listed residential properties located within the Sutherland Square and Liverpool Grove conservation areas. The report pack outlines the proposed order and its implications.

Development Management Applications

Two significant development management applications are listed for discussion:

42 St Mary Newington Close, Surrey Square, London SE17 2LP

This application concerns a property at 42 St Mary Newington Close, Surrey Square, London SE17 2LP. The report pack provides detailed information regarding this application, including a site plan¹.

Plot H1 Elephant Park, Elephant Road, London, SE1

A substantial report is scheduled for discussion concerning Plot H1 Elephant Park, Elephant Road, London, SE1. This application seeks permission for the redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed-use development. The proposal includes shared living accommodation (sui generis), affordable housing (Class C3), and Class E floorspace, along with ancillary cycle parking, accessible car parking, landscaping, public realm improvements, and plant.

The report highlights that the proposed development would deliver 695 purpose-built shared living units and 79 affordable homes, all of which are proposed to be social rent. It also includes plans for a new health hub, significant construction jobs, and extensive landscaping. The development aims to achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating and a net gain in biodiversity. The report details the planning policy context, including the London Plan 2021² and the Southwark Plan 2022³, and addresses key issues such as land use, quality of accommodation, residential amenity, transport, energy, and sustainability.

The report notes that the site has a complex planning history, including a previously approved scheme for a large office-led development that was later overturned on appeal. The current proposal is described as a residential led, mixed-use scheme that aims to optimise the development potential of this prominent and highly accessible vacant brownfield site. ⁴

The report also details the extensive community engagement undertaken by the applicant prior to the submission of the application, involving over 900 individuals. Consultation responses from members of the public and external consultees are summarised, with planning matters raised by objectors including concerns about excessive height and massing, overshadowing, and the co-living use. Officer comments address these points, referencing relevant policies and previous decisions.

The report concludes by recommending that planning permission be granted, subject to conditions and the applicant entering into an appropriate legal agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London.