The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 2 September 2026 and granted planning permission for a coffee kiosk adjacent to Tate Modern and for a retrospective change of use of part of a residential car park to accommodate private hire vehicles. The committee also discussed a planning application for a coffee kiosk on the riverwalk adjacent to Tate Modern, which was granted permission.

Coffee Kiosk, Land Adjacent to Tate Modern, Bankside, SE1

Permission was granted for a single-storey coffee kiosk on the riverwalk adjacent to Tate Modern. The proposal replaces an existing converted taxi cab operation with a more permanent, albeit removable, structure. The amended scheme relocated the kiosk to a set-back position, reducing its footprint and improving pedestrian flow. While Tate Modern and some residents raised objections concerning design, pedestrian congestion, and amenity issues, supporters highlighted the trader's long-term operation, the improved design, and the positive contribution to the local economy and employment. The committee noted that the design was an improvement on the previous arrangement and that the set-back location addressed concerns about pedestrian flow. Conditions were imposed regarding external materials and finishes, and the implementation of the approved servicing and waste management plan.

Myatts Field Court, 18 McDowall Road, London SE5 9JS

Planning permission was granted retrospectively for a change of use of 20 parking spaces within the residential car park at Myatts Field Court to accommodate private hire vehicles. The application was made after an enforcement complaint was received. No objections were received from the residents of Myatts Field Court, and it was noted that sufficient parking remained for them. The change of use was seen as a more efficient use of under-utilised land, supporting a local business and contributing to the funding of roof repairs for Myatts Field Court. An objector raised concerns about land stability, loss of amenity, and transport impacts. However, officers concluded that these were not material planning considerations, or that the impacts were negligible. A condition was added to limit the number of private hire vehicles parked on the land to twenty. Network Rail also requested engagement regarding their land proximity, which was noted as an informative on the decision notice.