The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A met on Tuesday 8 October 2024 to discuss several key planning applications and a proposed Article 4 Direction. The committee approved the making of an Article 4 Direction to withdraw permitted development rights for communications development at the junction of Croxted Road and Norwood Road. They also granted planning permission for developments at 6-12 Verney Road and the City Business Centre on Lower Road, subject to legal agreements and conditions.

Proposed Article 4 Direction for Communications Development

The committee considered a proposal for an Article 4 Direction to withdraw permitted development rights for communications development at the junction of Croxted Road and Norwood Road, London SE24 9DA. This measure is intended to address the detrimental impact of excessive communications apparatus on the street scene and the ability of local businesses to advertise. The committee resolved to approve the making of the Article 4 Direction, without immediate effect, and delegated the arrangements for its implementation to the director of planning and growth.

6-12 Verney Road, London, Southwark SE16 3DH

Planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing buildings and structures at 6-12 Verney Road and the redevelopment to provide an up to four-storey building for industrial and logistics use. The decision was made subject to conditions, the applicant entering into an appropriate legal agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London. The director of planning and growth was authorised to refuse planning permission if the requirements of the legal agreement were not met by 7 April 2025.

City Business Centre (St Olav's Court), Lower Road, London SE16 2XB

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of existing buildings at the City Business Centre and redevelopment to provide two mixed-use buildings. One building will be up to 17 storeys high, comprising 216 purpose-built shared living units and commercial floorspace. The second building will be up to 10 storeys high, comprising 24 affordable homes and commercial floorspace. The development will also include public realm improvements and play space. This decision was also made subject to conditions, the applicant entering into an appropriate legal agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London. The director of planning and growth was authorised to refuse planning permission if the legal agreement requirements were not met by 28 February 2025. The committee also requested specific inclusions in the Section 106 agreement, namely that the co-living part of the development not be opened until the affordable housing element is delivered, and that the co-living element be used exclusively as such.