The Planning Applications Committee of Lambeth Council met on Tuesday 27 January 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for developments at 346 Clapham Road, 2 Thornlaw Road, Land off Chapel Road, and 1 Cleevedale Place. Permission for a temporary seasonal use of part of Clapham Common for a sauna and plunge pool facility was also granted.

346 Clapham Road, London

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the demolition of a four-storey office building and the erection of a seven-storey mixed-use building to provide office floorspace and 30 residential units. This decision was made subject to the completion of a satisfactory Section 106 agreement. Objections were raised by residents regarding the height and massing of the proposed development, citing concerns about loss of outlook, sunlight, and daylight. However, officers considered the proposal responded positively to the context and scale of the area, and that the stepped design at upper levels mitigated amenity impacts. The scheme was praised for providing housing on a brownfield site, including a £390,000 contribution towards affordable housing, and new flexible employment floorspace.

2 Thornlaw Road, London

Conditional planning permission was granted for the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a part three, part four, and part five-storey building to provide 20 new homes, seven of which are affordable, along with community space. This decision was subject to the completion of a satisfactory Section 106 agreement. Concerns were raised by ward councillors and residents regarding the proposed height and massing, with objectors arguing it was out of keeping with the surrounding area and would adversely impact amenity. Officers noted that the proposed height and massing fit well within the surrounding area, with a step-down in massing as the development turns the corner. The provision of 20 new homes, including five low-cost rented units, was highlighted as a significant public benefit.

Land Off Chapel Road, London

Permission was granted for the erection of a two-storey building to provide a self-storage facility, associated parking, and landscaping. This decision was subject to the completion of a satisfactory Section 106 agreement. Concerns were raised by a ward councillor regarding highway safety and the effectiveness of proposed traffic calming measures, specifically advocating for the £40,000 contribution to be used for speed cameras. Officers noted that the police dictate the use of speed cameras and that their deployment is reactive. The proposal was considered appropriate for the Key Industrial and Business Area (KIBA) designation, and the intensification of such uses is encouraged by policy.

1 Cleevedale Place, London

Conditional planning permission was granted for alterations within the existing basement, including amended parking and cycle storage layouts, for the use of part of the ground floor and basement as a gymnasium. This decision was subject to the completion of a deed under Section 106 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. The application involved the loss of a safeguarded waste site, but officers deemed this acceptable as compensatory waste capacity within Lambeth would be secured. The proposed gym use passed the sequential test, and the scheme was found to integrate with the wider Thornton Park development. Concerns about the number of trees to be removed were addressed by conditions requiring replacement planting and a financial contribution towards tree replacement if retained trees fail within ten years.

CockPond, Clapham Common, London

Retrospective planning permission was granted for the temporary seasonal use of part of Clapham Common for a sauna and plunge pool facility. The facility, comprising two sauna cabins, six plunge tubs, a kiosk, seating area, and fencing, is located on existing hardstanding adjacent to the splashpad. Officers considered the principle of this temporary recreational use acceptable within Metropolitan Open Land (MOL), noting its low impact, temporary nature, and public benefits, which were judged to outweigh the identified low degree of less than substantial harm to the Clapham Conservation Area and the setting of the Grade II* listed Church of Holy Trinity. The facility is permitted to operate between 1st October and 30th April 2026.