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 residential building at 60 Lowther Hill, SE23, and also approved a part-retrospective application for the conversion and extension of 126 New Cross Road, SE14, into a 14-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO).

60 Lowther Hill, SE23 1PY

The committee granted planning permission for the demolition of the existing dwelling at 60 Lowther Hill, SE23 1PY and the construction of a four-storey building to provide seven self-contained flats. This decision followed several previous refusals for developments on the site, with the primary concern in the most recent refusal (DC/20/118403) being the impact on the living conditions of neighbouring occupiers at Nos. 58 and 62 Lowther Hill, specifically regarding daylight and outlook.

The applicant addressed these concerns by redesigning the scheme to reduce its depth and massing at the rear and by commissioning an updated daylight and sunlight report. The proposed building now features a more traditional gable/pitched roof design, a change from the previously refused flat roof. The committee was satisfied that the height and scale of the proposal respect the existing setting and would be an appropriate addition to the street scene. Concerns regarding neighbour amenity, including outlook and light, were deemed to have been overcome.

The development will provide a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom flats, including a three-bedroom family unit, contributing to Lewisham's housing supply. The committee also noted that the council has failed the Housing Delivery Test, meaning there is a presumption in favour of granting permission for sustainable developments unless adverse impacts clearly outweigh benefits. Conditions were attached to the permission, including requirements for a Construction Management Plan, detailed architectural and landscaping schemes, and provisions for sustainable urban drainage.

126 New Cross Road, London, SE14 5BA

The committee granted part-retrospective planning permission for alterations and the construction of a roof extension at 126 New Cross Road, London, SE14 5BA, to provide a 14-room House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). This application was a revision of a previously approved scheme for an 11-room HMO, with the new proposal adding three rooms in a mansard-style roof extension.

The site is located within the Hatcham Conservation Area and is identified as a non-designated heritage asset. The Conservation Officer initially raised objections to the roof extension due to the loss of a traditional London roof, but the committee was satisfied that the roofscape of the terrace had already been significantly altered by previous extensions. The proposed mansard design was considered a more sensitive addition, and enhancements to the front façade, including the restoration of a traditional timber shopfront and sash windows, were supported.

The development was considered acceptable in housing terms, contributing to the council's housing targets, and the committee noted the council's underperformance in the Housing Delivery Test, which triggers a presumption in favour of granting permission. Conditions were imposed relating to sound insulation, materials, refuse and recycling facilities, and cycle parking. The committee also noted that the property had a history of unlawful use as a hotel and HMO, with an enforcement notice requiring the cessation of the HMO use and restoration of the frontage having been upheld on appeal. However, the current proposal was assessed against current planning policy and found to be compliant.