Application Reference & Link: 21/AP/0451
The Camberwell Society provides an objection to this proposal. Whilst
the Principle of Development is supported as outlined below, the
proposed height of the development cannot be supported.
The proposal includes redevelopment of a brownfield site on Metropolitan
Open Land, to replace an industrial use. Camberwell Society would object
to residential development on greenfield Metropolitan Open Land in
principle; however, the proposal of 100% affordable residential
development and public amenity (café) to replace an incongruous
industrial use (a brownfield site, which detracts from local character
and nearby Conservation Areas) is deemed to be of substantive public
benefit to override concerns of re-development of brownfield MOL.
The principle of development on the site is supported, if and only if a
large portion of the site is gifted to Southwark Council to incorporate
into Burgess Park (through s106 agreement). Currently 34% of the site is
to be gifted to Southwark Council, the boundary of which will provide a
more coherent and rational park edge to the east of the site. This
condition for development is accepted.
The Camberwell Society strongly objects to the scale of development
regarding overall height, with a view that any development immediately
adjacent to the park should be 6 storeys (18 m) as a maximum. This is to
ensure development does not exceed the height of the mature tree line,
and therefore does not appear overbearing to the park. The adjacent
residential properties to the south are 3 storeys, and Camberwell
Society consider a building of twice the context height to constitute a
tall building. Camberwell Society argue strongly that this location is
not acceptable for a tall building.
The proposed height of seven storeys would set a precedent of
development of tall buildings in this location, to which the Camberwell
Society strongly objects.
The Camberwell Society welcome the incorporation of a public amenity
(café) at ground floor. As a condition for development, Camberwell
Society would like to see a public ‘water-point’ provided, as well as
publicly accessible toilets (either as part of the café, or ancillary to
it).
The Camberwell Society welcome the high UGF (0.48) of the development
and request a condition (should permission be granted) to ensure this is
maintained through detailed design and construction. Camberwell Society
would request that a further condition is applied to the landscape
design, to ensure that a high-quality, and highly bio-diverse landscape
which seamlessly ties into the existing park is delivered.
Conclusion
The Camberwell Society supports the principle of development, when
considering the 100% affordable housing offer combined with the
regeneration of a brownfield site and the gifting of 34% of the site to
be incorporated into Burgess Park. The Camberwell Society objects
strongly to the height of development, which would constitute a tall
building. Development should be restricted to 6 storeys maximum in this
location (and all sites immediately adjacent to Burgess Park).
The Camberwell Society therefore objects to this proposal.