The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) met on Wednesday 7 October 2026. The committee considered a variation to extend the opening hours of a commercial unit at 284-286 Walworth Road, London SE17 2TE, and granted planning permission for the refurbishment of Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, London, Southwark SE1 9DG. The committee also considered the erection of a coffee kiosk on land adjacent to Tate Modern, Bankside, London SE1, and the redevelopment of Unit 23 and 24 Old Jamaica Business Estate, 24 Old Jamaica Road, London SE16 4AW.

Variation of Condition 3 (Hours of Operation) for 284-286 Walworth Road, London SE17 2TE

The committee considered a variation to extend the opening hours of a commercial unit on Walworth Road from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm (and 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays) to 6:00 am to midnight, seven days a week. This application, submitted by McDonald's, sought to vary an existing planning condition related to operating hours. Concerns were raised by residents regarding potential noise, anti-social behaviour, and transport impacts from delivery drivers, particularly during the extended evening hours. Officers concluded that the proposed hours were in keeping with the town centre location and that impacts could be mitigated through conditions, including an operational management plan and restrictions on delivery services outside of core hours. The committee voted to refuse the application on the grounds that the applicant failed to demonstrate that delivery rider activity associated with the proposed extended opening hours could be accommodated without causing obstruction, congestion, and disturbance on the adjoining public highway.

Refurbishment of Pickfords Wharf, Clink Street, London, Southwark SE1 9DG

Planning permission was approved for the refurbishment of Pickfords Wharf, a locally listed building. The approved works include a single-storey roof extension, a rooftop terrace, alterations to the façade with replacement windows, the creation of a new café/retail unit at ground floor, and improvements to cycle access, end-of-journey facilities, and waste storage. Objectors raised concerns about noise and disturbance from the roof terrace, transport and servicing issues, heritage impacts, daylight and sunlight, privacy, and the scale of the development. The council's Environmental Protection Team and Design and Conservation Team reviewed the proposals, and conditions were recommended to mitigate potential noise impacts from the terrace and plant equipment, restrict café opening hours, and control servicing arrangements. The committee voted to grant permission, subject to conditions.

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

Planning permission was granted for the erection of a single-storey coffee kiosk on the riverwalk adjacent to Tate Modern. This proposal replaces an existing, more temporary operation involving a converted taxi cab and associated structures. Objectors, including Tate Modern, raised concerns about pedestrian congestion, the lack of toilets, potential for over-provision of food and drink outlets, heritage impacts, and the proliferation of similar structures. Supporters highlighted the trader's positive contribution to the community, job creation, and the improved design and siting of the kiosk compared to the existing arrangement. The committee voted to grant permission, subject to conditions, including restrictions on refuse storage and the prohibition of external seating.

Redevelopment of Unit 23 and 24 Old Jamaica Business Estate, 24 Old Jamaica Road, London SE16 4AW

Planning permission was approved for the demolition of existing industrial units and the construction of a new self-storage facility with affordable workspace. The proposal includes 1,135 sqm of self-storage and 140 sqm of affordable workspace, aiming to create approximately 20 jobs. Objectors raised concerns about the building's height, massing, impact on neighbouring amenity, design quality, and transport. Officers noted that the revised scheme addressed previous refusal reasons by reducing the building's footprint and height, and improving its relationship with neighbouring properties. The committee voted to grant permission, subject to conditions and the applicant entering into a legal agreement.