The Planning Committee B of Lewisham Council met on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, to discuss several planning applications. The committee authorised the Head of Planning to grant planning permission for a five-storey residential building at 27 Longton Avenue, SE26, comprising 20 apartments, subject to conditions and a legal agreement. They also unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for an extension of operating hours until 1:00 am for McDonald's at The Garden Gate, Old Bromley Road, subject to conditions. An application for land at Silk Close, rear of 53 Leyland Road, was withdrawn from the agenda.

27 Longton Avenue, London SE26 6RE - DC/25/140733

The committee authorised the Head of Planning to grant planning permission for the construction of a five-storey residential building at 27 Longton Avenue, SE26. The development will comprise 20 self-contained apartments, including 11 two-bedroom and 9 three-bedroom units, along with landscaping, cycle parking, refuse and recycling facilities, and associated works. This decision was made subject to conditions and the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement. If the legal agreement is not finalised by 12 February 2027, the Head of Planning is delegated authority to refuse the application or grant extensions to the completion date.

The proposal was called to committee due to over 10 objections from local residents and organisations, including the Longton Avenue Residents' Association, the Sydenham Society, and the Sydenham Hill Ridge Neighbourhood Forum. Key concerns raised by objectors included the scale and appearance of the development, its impact on the Sydenham Ridge Area of Special Local Character, neighbouring amenity, parking, drainage, ecology, affordable housing, and infrastructure capacity.

Officers acknowledged that the five-storey building would be taller and larger than the extant permission for an eight-unit, four-storey building and surrounding properties, resulting in limited harm to the Sydenham Ridge Area of Special Local Character and some localised daylight impacts to neighbouring properties. However, they concluded that these harms did not significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits of the scheme, particularly the delivery of 20 new homes, including nine family-sized dwellings, at a time when Lewisham's housing delivery is significantly below target. Other benefits highlighted included biodiversity net gain, extensive landscaping, sustainable drainage improvements, retention and management of woodland, and high-quality accommodation. The committee voted to approve the application with six in favour, one against, and one abstention.

McDonald's, The Garden Gate, Old Bromley Road, BR1 4JY - DC/26/143004

The committee unanimously resolved to authorise the Head of Planning to grant planning permission for a minor material amendment to extend the operating hours of McDonald's at The Garden Gate, Old Bromley Road, until 1:00 am, seven days a week. This variation applies to Condition 4 of a previous planning permission (DC/14/087166) granted in 2014.

The application was brought before the committee due to 10 objections from local residents. Concerns raised by objectors included potential increases in noise and disturbance, litter, and on-street parking, as well as driving behaviour.

Officers assessed the proposal against the development plan and found it acceptable, subject to conditions. The applicant proposed that during the extended hour (12:00 am to 1:00 am), the restaurant itself would be closed to customers, with parking restricted to delivery partners in a designated area. The drive-thru ordering point closest to residential properties would also be closed. Conditions were recommended to ensure the implementation of a litter control strategy, a noise management plan, the closure of the car park to customers, and the closure of the COD ordering point nearest to residential properties. The committee approved the recommendation unanimously.

Land at Silk Close, rear of 53 Leyland Road, London, SE12 - DC/25/142352

This item was withdrawn from the agenda.

Committee Meeting Start Time for the Municipal Year 2026/27

The committee agreed to continue with a 7:00 pm start time for future meetings. Councillor Pauline Dall seconded the proposal, and it was agreed by the committee.

Declarations of Interest and Minutes

No declarations of interest were made by committee members. The minutes of the previous meetings held on 27 January, 12 February, and 16 April 2026 were agreed, with an amendment to include specific points raised regarding heritage impact and privacy concerns at Collins Street and a school playground overlooking issue.

The meeting also included a discussion on the committee's start time for the upcoming municipal year, with members agreeing to maintain the 7:00 pm start time.