The Planning Committee B of Lewisham Council met on Tuesday 26 November 2024 to discuss two planning applications. The committee granted planning permission for a new four-storey building containing seven self-contained flats at 60 Lowther Hill, SE23, and also granted part retrospective planning permission for the alteration and conversion of 126 New Cross Road, SE14, to create a 14-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

60 Lowther Hill, SE23 1PY - DC/24/136606

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of an existing house and the construction of a four-storey building to provide seven self-contained flats at 60 Lowther Hill, SE23. This decision followed several previous refusals for developments on the site, with the most recent refusal in 2020 citing harm to the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers due to impacts on daylight and outlook. The applicant has sought to address these concerns through revised designs, including a reduction in the building's depth and massing at the rear, and the adoption of a more traditional pitched roof form.

During the discussion, concerns were raised by a resident of 58 Lowther Hill regarding overdevelopment, inappropriate density, and potential impacts on parking, waste, sewage, and drainage. Officers clarified that density is not a primary planning consideration and that a construction logistics plan would be secured by condition to minimise disruption. They also noted that a sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) strategy would be implemented, and Thames Water had provided an informative regarding drainage. The committee ultimately voted unanimously to grant permission, subject to the completion of a unilateral undertaking.

126 New Cross Road, London, SE14 5BA - DC/24/136844

The committee granted part retrospective planning permission for the alteration and conversion of the existing building at 126 New Cross Road, SE14, to create a 14-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This includes the construction of a roof extension, internal courtyards, a new timber shopfront, and the installation of new windows and rooflights. This application follows a previous approval in May 2024 for an 11-room HMO, with the current proposal increasing the number of rooms by three through the addition of a mansard-style roof extension.

The committee noted that the proposal involved the restoration of a traditional timber shopfront and the replacement of uPVC windows with timber sash windows, which were considered enhancements to the building's façade. Concerns were raised by Councillor Luke Sorba regarding the quality and density of the accommodation, leading to the application being called in for committee review. Officers addressed these concerns by highlighting the excellent public transport accessibility of the site and the fact that the proposal did not result in the loss of family housing. The committee heard from the applicant's agent regarding the quality of the internal accommodation, the provision of en-suite and shared bathrooms, and the design of the mansard roof extension. The committee voted by 3 votes to 3, with 3 abstentions, to grant permission.