There have been three recent applications for the small parcel of land between Elmington Road, St Giles Road and Brunswick Park where there are currently two disused garages.
25/AP/0748 Demolition of existing garages and construction of a two-storey house
This proposal in 2025 was for a two-storey, two-bedroom house with a courtyard. The main entrance to the house would be on St Giles Road with, in addition, a gate into Brunswick Park close to the café.
The Camberwell Society objected on the basis that direct park access had no precedent, would adversely impact the cafe, and should not be allowed, and on the basis that there should be no windows at the park boundary. Others objected on these same grounds and some additional matters such as direct opening of the front door onto the St Giles Road pavement. This application was later withdrawn.
26/AP/0899 Demolition of existing garages and construction of a self-build two-storey house
This proposal was for a house of similar scale but substantially different design compared to 25/AP/0748. The gate into the park had been deleted, and the front door recessed. The roof line was also altered, to reduce overshadowing of the garden of the nearest house on Elmington Road. However, in addition, the bedrooms were relocated to the ground floor, with the living areas on the first floor. The living areas would be connected to the courtyard by external stairs.
Very shortly before this application was submitted, a TPO (tree protection order) was placed over the whole of Brunswick Park.
The Camberwell Society objected to this application unless it could be shown that there was no potential for excessive overlooking of the park from the living areas and external stair, and that the trees in Brunswick Park would be adequately protected.
26/AP/1466 Tree works/TPO consent.
This application relates to trial trenching for the proposed development 26/AP/0899. Three trees (T1 Lawson Cypress, T2 Lawson Cypress and T8 Horse Chestnut) have root protection areas that overlap a proposed hand-dug trial trench. Roots under 25mm would be pruned whilst larger roots would be retained and protected if exposed. The Camberwell Society had intended to object, following advice of a tree expert, but the application had by then been approved.