The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 09 December 2025 to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for developments at Graphite Square, Arches 88 to 95 Glasshouse Walk, Blue Star House, and the Islamic Centre.

Graphite Square

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the development at Graphite Square, London. Councillor Martin Bailey, Chair of the Pensions Committee, requested flexibility on condition 13 regarding hard caps on floor space for different uses, suggesting that a high-quality operator might require slightly more than 2,000 square metres for a food hall. He also proposed extending the hours of operation from 11pm to midnight, seven days a week, arguing that the proposed hours were too conservative for the location. Officers noted that the food and beverage use cap was in place due to concerns about cycle parking, deliveries, servicing, and noise, but acknowledged that amended floor space could be addressed via a Section 73 application. Regarding extended opening hours, officers had no objection, noting it would be slightly inconsistent with existing site limitations but aligned with the aim of encouraging activity in the area. Councillor Paul Valentine raised concerns about safeguarding existing council tenants in nearby blocks, such as Arne House, Jameson, and Kennedy House, regarding potential noise and behaviour. Officers confirmed that conditions regarding operational management plans and social behaviour management had been recommended. The committee ultimately voted to grant permission, amending condition 8 to allow for extended opening hours until midnight.

Arches 88 to 95 Glasshouse Walk

Conditional planning permission was granted for the change of use at Arches 88 to 95 Glasshouse Walk, Vauxhall. David Smith, Head of Leasing for The Arch Company, explained that the application was driven by tenant feedback highlighting challenges with the arches' size, configuration, and access, particularly for industrial operators. He noted that Base Dance Studio, an existing tenant, was keen to expand into these arches. Dax O'Callaghan, Director of Base Dance Studios, elaborated on their operation as a multi-purpose creative hub supporting arts, fitness, employment, and youth development. He stated that the expansion was necessary due to sustained demand and would allow them to retain economic, social, and cultural value within Vauxhall. Councillor Martin Bailey requested amendments to three conditions: condition 17, concerning queues and auditions, suggesting its deletion or focus on safety rather than suppression of activity; condition 3, to permit ancillary Class E uses to allow for small amenities like a cafe or dancewear sales; and conditions 13 and 14, related to sustainability, arguing that targets for unheated, uninsulated Victorian railway arches were unrealistic. Officers clarified that the visitor management plan was intended to cover auditions and events, and that ancillary uses were permissible as long as the main use remained within Class E. Regarding sustainability, officers acknowledged the difficulty of meeting requirements in railway arches but stated that water efficiency measures were achievable and acceptable. The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission.

Blue Star House

The committee approved the refurbishment and extension of Blue Star House, located at 234-244 Stockwell Road, Brixton North, which includes a change of use from commercial and business uses to a hotel with 341 rooms. The proposal involves partial demolition and the construction of a replacement 5 to 9-storey building, with a two-storey extension. Officers presented the site context, existing conditions, and proposed plans, including CGIs of the development. The principle of land uses was deemed acceptable, with no objection to the loss of the restaurant and gym, and the loss of office space being acceptable due to viability issues and the provision of nine affordable desk spaces. Design, townscape, and conservation were considered, with the proposed tall building meeting specific tests outlined in local and London Plan policies. Sustainability targets were increased to a 30% reduction in carbon emissions, though this fell short of the London Plan's 35% requirement, with justification provided for the explored opportunities to maximise on-site reductions. Immunity impacts were assessed, with localized impacts on properties at 2-8 Belfields Road considered acceptable. The scheme is proposed to be car-free, with one disabled parking bay. Mature trees on site are to be retained, with a financial contribution secured for trees in the wider area. A 14% biodiversity net gain is also proposed. Councillor Bailey questioned the architectural expression and its connection to Brixton's character, while Councillor Nye welcomed the new jobs and suggested an informative regarding local employment and upkeep of green roofs. The committee voted unanimously to grant conditional planning permission.

Islamic Centre

Conditional planning permission was granted for the demolition of the existing building at the Islamic Centre, 11-13 Edgley Road, and redevelopment to provide two buildings of up to three storeys, offering nine residential dwellings. The site is described as exceptionally constrained, with significant consideration given to layout, design, and massing to mitigate impacts on neighbouring residential buildings. The scheme provides nine large, four-bedroom family homes, with officers accepting that this is the optimum quantum of development for the site due to its constraints, and that further units could not be accommodated without unacceptable overdevelopment. The proposals achieve a 35% improvement in regulated CO2 emissions, with an offset payment for the shortfall in zero carbon emissions. Water consumption will be reduced, and noise pollution mitigation measures are in place. A biodiversity net gain of 606.05% is demonstrated. The daylight, sunlight, and overshadowing report concluded limited impacts on nearby residents, with one minor adverse impact identified at 9 Edgeley Road. The development will be car-free, except for one disabled parking bay, and will provide 20 secure cycle parking spaces. An objector, Sophie Lewindon, raised concerns about the accuracy of the officer's report regarding daylight impacts, stating that eight properties would experience major adverse impacts. She also questioned the privacy of rooftop terraces and the contrast between the large houses and smaller flats. James Doherty, representing the applicant, highlighted the site's vacancy since 2018 and the extensive pre-application discussions that led to the current nine-unit scheme, considered the optimum for the site. Councillor Valentine inquired about embedded carbon and the £19,000 offset payment, which officers confirmed was an offset for the zero-carbon shortfall, noting that a whole life cycle carbon assessment was not policy-required for schemes of this size. Councillor Nye raised concerns about the maintenance of planters for privacy screens and the upkeep of green roofs. Officers confirmed that condition 14 requires privacy screens and that landscaping details would be secured. The committee voted unanimously to accept officers' recommendations and grant planning permission.