Planning Committee B met to discuss several planning applications, including a deferred decision on Robin's Court, new dwellings on Breakspears Road and Dartmouth Road, and a mixed-use development on Gillian Street, with a focus on housing provision, design, and community impact. The committee approved all applications, often with additional conditions to address resident concerns and ensure compliance with planning policies.

Robin's Court, Chinbrook Road

The committee revisited the application for vertical extensions to Robin's Court, previously deferred on 11 March 2025, to create 24 new duplex apartments. Despite residents' concerns about the structural survey's adequacy, the committee approved the application, as planning regulations prevent them from mandating a full structural survey¹. The applicant, represented by Max Plotnick, agent, and Liam Russell, from LRAR Architects, had removed the rear fire escape staircases from the scheme in response to the previous committee's concerns.

Liam Tollington, a resident and leaseholder at Robin's Court, along with Kiara, another resident, spoke on behalf of over 150 residents, arguing that the submitted structural survey was not a full survey and contained inaccuracies. Despite these objections, officers stated that they were bound by case law and could not refuse the application based on structural concerns.

Councillor Suzannah Clarke voiced her concerns about the assumptions made in the report, but acknowledged the legal constraints on the committee. Councillor James Rathbone reluctantly proposed granting permission, recognising the legal obligations of the committee.

The committee approved the application, including an informative that the developer should work with residents when designing the construction management plan, and that the local authority would invite residents' views once the plan had been received.

Land to the Rear of 2 Breakspears Road

The committee considered an application for the demolition of existing outbuildings and the construction of a single-storey, three-bedroom detached dwelling on land to the rear of 2 Breakspears Road. Despite concerns raised by neighbours regarding access and land easement rights, the committee approved the application, noting that these were civil matters and not material planning considerations.

The applicant, Esas Ali, stated that they had pedestrian access and did not require vehicle access. Anne Barrett, a resident of Brakespear's Muse, raised concerns about access feasibility and safety.

The committee approved the application, with officers clarifying that the applicant would need to resolve access rights to implement the permission lawfully.

113 Dartmouth Road

The committee reviewed an application for the erection of a terrace of three two-storey, two-bedroom houses in annexed rear garden land at the rear of 113 Dartmouth Road.

Michael Reese, agent, explained that the design followed guidance set out within the Lewisham Small Sites SPD². Councillor James Rathbone raised concerns about the narrow access route and compliance with accessibility standards, specifically the M4(2) standard³. Mark Marms, a planning consultant speaking on behalf of local residents, raised concerns about highway safety, security, and compliance with design guidance.

Despite concerns about accessibility and the narrow access route, the committee approved the application, with officers stating that the developer would need to evidence that M4(2) standards could be met.

31 Gillian Street

The committee considered an application for the demolition of existing buildings and the construction of two two-storey and six two-storey plus roof space dwelling houses, along with a two-storey building comprising two commercial units at 31 Gillian Street.

Nicole Gler, agent, stated that the development was a well-designed small infill scheme. Phil Lavender, owner of the site, explained that the new commercial building would provide a base for a local business.

Phil McDonald, speaking on behalf of Michelle Costa Lucas and other residents, raised concerns about the height of the development, overlooking, and the impact on privacy.

Following discussion, the committee approved the application, with Councillor Jacq Paschoud proposing acceptance of the officer's recommendation. The addendum report clarified revisions to conditions related to living roofs, air source heat pumps, commercial opening hours, and biodiversity enhancements.

Land Rear of 189-191 Perry Hill

The committee reviewed an application for the erection of a three-storey building with nine flats at land to the rear of 189 to 191 Perry Hill.

Jay Patel, from Peter Pendleton Associates, spoke in support of the application, highlighting its compliance with local and national policies. A local resident objected, raising concerns about the proximity of bins to their property and potential increases in vermin.

Councillor Rudi Schmidt, Chair of Overview and Scrutiny, asked how the biodiversity net gain would be achieved. Officers clarified that off-site units would be secured through a legal agreement.

The committee approved the application, including a condition about a waste management plan.