The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) of Southwark Council met on Wednesday 22 July 2026 to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for a new six-storey residential building at 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, and approved the temporary erection of a dining marquee at Alleyn's School, Townley Road.

56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, London SE5 0LQ

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing youth club and the erection of a six-storey building to provide 39 dwellings at 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell¹. The development will include 40% on-site affordable housing, cycle and refuse storage, and community space. A Section 106 legal agreement was also approved, which will secure contributions towards the maintenance of the adjacent ball court, children's play space, and various highways and environmental works.

The proposal was met with objections from local residents who raised concerns about the scale of the development, the loss of a community facility, and the impact on local infrastructure. However, officers noted that the existing community facility had been vacant since 2016 and had been sufficiently marketed to comply with council policy. The development was deemed to provide a policy-compliant tenure mix of 25% social rented and 15% shared ownership housing.

Councillor Margy Newens² raised questions about the monitoring of the urban greening factor, specifically the depth of the green roof. It was agreed that a condition for the retention of the green roof in perpetuity could be added. Councillor James Moyse³ inquired about the car club provision, and it was confirmed that the agreement would need to be with an alternative operator to Zipcar, which was ceasing operations.

The committee debated the design and massing of the building, with particular attention paid to its impact on neighbouring properties, Grenfell House, Laing House, and Moffatt House. The officer's report concluded that while there would be some reduction in daylight, this was considered acceptable in the urban context and due to the existing architecture of the neighbouring buildings.

The application was moved for approval by Councillor Newens and seconded by Councillor Solomon⁴. The decision was unanimous.

Alleyn's School, Townley Road, Southwark SE22 8SU

Planning permission was granted for the temporary erection of a dining marquee at Alleyn's School, Townley Road, until 31 October 2028⁵. The marquee is required to provide dining facilities for pupils during the construction of a new dining hall, a project for which planning permission had previously been granted.

The site is designated as Metropolitan Open Land (MOL)⁶, and the proposal was assessed against policies protecting such areas. Officers concluded that the temporary marquee, sited predominantly on hardstanding and adjacent to an existing building, would not materially affect the openness of the MOL. The structure is also considered to have minimal visual impact and would not harm the character of the Dulwich Village Conservation Area⁷ or the setting of the locally listed school building.

Concerns were initially raised regarding the marquee's proximity to trees, but the location was amended to ensure adequate distance, satisfying the Council's Urban Forester. The proposal also falls within the 'de minimis' exemption for biodiversity net gain⁸, as it affects less than 25 square metres of grassland.

The application was moved for approval by Councillor Leberton⁹ and seconded by Councillor Higson¹⁰. The decision was unanimous.