The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 18 November 2025 to consider six planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for the redevelopment of 35-37 Leigham Court Road and land to the west and rear of 39-49 Leigham Court Road, which will deliver 92 new homes and a community building. Permission was also granted for the expansion of St Mary's Nursing Home at 3 Tooting Bec Gardens, which will add 40 new bedrooms. The committee also approved the change of use of part of the seventh floor of County Hall to an educational facility.

Redevelopment of 35-37 Leigham Court Road and Land to West and Rear of 39-49 Leigham Court Road, London

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the demolition of existing structures and redevelopment of the site to provide 92 residential units, a community and commercial building, and associated landscaping and infrastructure. The development will include 15 social rented homes, 31 discount market rent homes, and 46 private Pocket Sharer homes, achieving 35% affordable housing by habitable room.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding the loss of open space, with a net loss of 315 square metres compared to the existing bowling green. While the proposed new open space is of higher quality and would be publicly accessible, it does not meet the equivalent quantity requirement of Policy EN1 of the Lambeth Local Plan. However, the committee noted that a previous permission for the site had accepted the loss of open space subject to a financial contribution, and a reduced contribution of £60,000 would be secured for off-site open space improvements.

There were also concerns about the scale and massing of the development, particularly its impact on neighbouring properties in terms of daylight, sunlight, and outlook. While some reductions in daylight were noted, these were considered acceptable within an urban context, and the proposed separation distances and privacy measures were deemed sufficient. The development was found to be car-free, with the exception of three Blue Badge parking spaces, and would provide extensive cycle parking. A financial contribution of £92,880 would be secured towards Healthy Streets improvements.

The committee voted to approve the application, with Councillor Scott Ainslie voting against, citing concerns about the development being overbearing and its impact on biodiversity.

Expansion of St Mary's Nursing Home, 3 Tooting Bec Gardens, London

Conditional planning permission was granted for the phased development of St Mary's Nursing Home, involving the partial demolition of the southern wing and the construction of new extensions. This will result in a net increase of 40 bedrooms, bringing the total capacity to 123 bedrooms, along with enhanced staff facilities.

The proposal was considered acceptable in terms of land use, design, heritage impact, and amenity. The extensions were found to be of high-quality design, sensitive to the surrounding context and conservation area, and would preserve the character of nearby listed buildings. While 13 trees would be removed, 10 for development purposes and 3 for arboricultural reasons, 4 replacement trees would be planted, and a CAVAT contribution of £57,995 would be secured. The development would also achieve a Biodiversity Net Gain of 10% through off-site compensation.

Concerns were raised by objectors regarding the increase in height, scale, and massing, as well as potential loss of privacy and natural light for neighbouring properties. However, officers concluded that the design was sensitive to the context, maintained adequate separation distances, and incorporated privacy measures. The proposal was deemed acceptable in transport terms, retaining existing parking and providing 12 cycle spaces.

The application was approved unanimously.

Change of Use at County Hall, London

Conditional planning permission was granted for the change of use of part of the seventh floor of County Hall from Sui Generis to Use Class F1(a) for educational purposes. The 1,890sqm area has been vacant for over 30 years. The proposed use, intended for the 'MoM Culinary Institute', aligns with policies supporting new education facilities in accessible locations. No physical works are proposed, and the use is not expected to have adverse amenity or transport impacts. A Section 106 agreement would secure a financial contribution of £5,084 towards employment and skills initiatives and ensure the development is business parking permit free.

Other Applications

The committee also considered two other applications:

• County Hall, London (Waterloo and South Bank) 25/02628/FUL: This application for a change of use of part of the seventh floor from Sui Generis to Use Class F1(a) provision of education was granted conditional planning permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement.
• Item 4 (County Hall, London) was withdrawn from the agenda.

The meeting also noted the confirmation of previous minutes without discussion.