Through the work of the sub-committee, the Society has been instrumental in saving many buildings of note including Addington Square, Denmark Hill Station and part of Windsor Walk. The Society has also been instrumental in influencing new development to make a positive contribution to the area, and works with local residents and tenants groups where there are common issues. The current composition of the Planning sub-committee is: Tim Gaymer, Anthony Kyrke-Smith, Elizabeth Borowiecka, Jason Leech, Robert Potz, Jonathan Hunt, Paul Cohoon, Somayya Yaqub, Michael Galt and Tom Harvey. Potential new members are welcome to attend a meeting as an observer initially. The Society is currently under represented by members from the Myatt Fields and Brunswick Park areas.
20/AP/0887 | BROOKE HALL 17 FLODDEN ROAD, LONDON, SE5 9LH
Application Reference & Link: 20/AP/0887
Construction of a fifth floor extension to Blocks B, C, D, E and F, a fourth floor extension to Block A, new blocks H and G and infill units between Blocks A and B and to the rear of Block F (all 4 storeys) to provide 60 additional student rooms for the University of Arts London.
The existing main building is four storey in height and there is an existing three storey block at the rear of the site.
The proposal includes an upgrade of the facades along Flodden Road and Baldwin Crescent with brick and terracotta, which would certainly be an improvement.
In principle extending and upgrading an existing building is welcomed, as it should have a lower environmental impact than demolishing and rebuilding.
The proposed mansard roof addition to the main building is set back which will reduce the visual impact. However, it will create the tallest building in the area which is characterised by 2-3 storey residential buildings.
Due to the orientation of the existing and new buildings to the North side there should be limited overshadowing of the adjoining properties. Only part of the garden of the neighbouring property to the East will be overshadowed during the second half of the day.
The reason given for this development being necessary is to meet an increasing demand for self-contained studio accommodation from University of Arts London. The applicant has not presented a credible case that the demand for student accommodation is increasing.
The proposal is for a ‘car free’ development and removes the existing off-street parking and vehicle accessible service areas. The proposal makes no allowance for students move in/out parking bays, delivery bays and service staff parking, which should be addressed.
The provision for secure cycle parking appears to be below the requirements outlined in the draft London Plan and it should be increased to satisfy demand.
This planning application proposes an increase of 60 studio units in addition to the 109 existing studio units, which is an increase of more than 50%. There is a question how this can be appropriate in an area with a poor PTAL rating of 2.
Although the application has some good points the Camberwell Society objects to this application based on the above observations and on the grounds of over-development.