The Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) met to discuss a planning and listed building consent application for Driscoll House, New Kent Road, London SE1 4YT.

Driscoll House, New Kent Road

Councillors were asked to consider a planning application and Listed Building Consent for the partial demolition of Driscoll House, a Grade II listed former working women’s hostel, and the construction of a part two, part three storey extension on the southern elevation and a three storey extension on the eastern elevation, as well as associated landscaping.

The existing hostel contains 180 bedrooms, and if the proposal is approved, there would be a net increase of 29 rooms, including three accessible rooms. The applicant is proposing that the gross external area of the hostel increase from 3,845m² to 5171m².

The application also proposes the reopening of the communal rooms at Driscoll House. These rooms are considered to be historically significant, but have been used as additional dormitory space in recent years. The report pack states:

The large 30-bed communal dormitories are no longer suitable for or demanded by hostel guests. The listed building requires upgrades to its structure and accessibility to ensure that Driscoll House can compete effectively in the local hostel and visitor accommodation market.

The submitted plans indicate the extensions would have green roofs, PV panels, and an air source heat pump. According to the report pack, the existing building is in need of repairs, particularly at roof level:

The defects observed in the roof are clearly visible from the interior, especially in the stairwells...There is noticeable step cracking in the brickwork at three locations on the main parapet. Additionally, there are multiple spots along the parapet where the mortar joints have deteriorated...On the east elevation, both stairwells feature deteriorated semi-domed roofs, allowing water to enter the interior.

Councillors were asked to consider the heritage impacts of the development and weigh the harm against the public benefits, as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF):

Your Authority should take these representations in account and determine the applications in accordance with national and local planning policy and in consultation with your specialist conservation advice.

The applicant has proposed several conditions to mitigate against the identified harm, including a Conservation Management Plan. This plan will set out how the building will be managed and maintained in the future.

Councillors were also asked to consider objections from residents, which include concerns about noise and disturbance, waste disposal, and safety in the surrounding area.

Officers recommended that the application be granted, subject to conditions and a Section 106 Legal Agreement.