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.
21/AP/4490 | 56-60 Comber Grove London Southwark SE5 0LD
Redevelopment of an existing community centre (Class F) to provide a six storey building with community centre (Use Class F) at ground floor and mezzanine, and five upper storeys to provide 45 residential units (Use Class C3), with associated landscaping, public realm improvements, dedicated plant and storage facilities, and other associated works
Planning Application Documents
The GA Plan Set (1:100 and 1:200 @ A1) as noted in the Planning Issue Drawing Issue Sheet are not available on Planning Portal. The below comments reference plan sets read within the Design and Access Statement only.
Development in Principle
The Camberwell Society welcome a mixed-use scheme proposal for the site, providing a high-quality replacement of the community centre on a like-for-like area basis. It is assumed that the facilities for the Hollington Youth Club have been developed in partnership with the club and provides the requisite amenity and support spaces to fulfill the club’s needs. Residential accommodation above first floor level is welcomed.
Community Centre
The proposed community centre provides an active frontage to Redcar Street and Comber Grove. The proposed central access to the community space and improved public realm will provide a focal point at the corner and contribute to an animated street scene, to the benefit of the wider neighbourhood.
There is no level access to the male changing room. Inclusive, equitable, and dignified access should be provided to all communal spaces. Alternatively, an additional private changing room with shower at ground floor level could be provided.
Height, Bulk, and Massing
The proposed height is acceptable for the site, responding to immediate context and character.
Reductions in separation distance towards Laing House and Grenfell House have resulted in poor outlook and issues of overlooking, as noted below.
Future Occupiers
The scheme proposes 64% dual aspect units. There is a single stack of north-facing one-bedroom single aspect units. This is contrary to London Housing Design Standards.
The 2B3P unit at the north of the plan – whilst dual aspect – has poor outlook and will be largely overshadowed.
Outlook for units facing towards Laing House and Grenfell House are substandard. There is also overlooking issues between habitable rooms and private amenity at the south-east of the site, towards Grenfell House.
There are a few units where the only glazing to LKDs lie behind deep recessed balconies. There is concern that these will not provide quality daylight to living spaces.
Appearance and Detail
Insufficient contextual analysis has been documented to justify façade proposals and materiality.
A proposed residential scheme will infill the corner and complete a composition with Laing House, Grenfell House, and Moffat House. The Camberwell Society believe that a red brick and/or stock brick would be more suitable, as it will be more characterful and contextual. Additional cues for façade detailing should be inferred from neighbouring residential development.
The prevalence of floor to ceiling glazing should be reconsidered, to prevent overheating.
Conclusion
The Camberwell Society welcome the re-development of the site as a mixed-use scheme. The scheme proposes a high-quality community space for the Hollington Youth Club, and an improved public realm, which is supported.However, there are concerns about the quality of accommodation, issues of overlooking and separation distance, and materiality and detailing proposed for the residential component. For these reasons, the Camberwell Society objects to this application.