Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

Councillor Paschoud (Chair), asked if Members agreed that the Minutes of the Strategic Planning Committee meeting held on 23rd May 2018 were a true and accurate record. Members agreed and the minutes were signed by the Chair.

Viv Evans introduced the planning application, explaining that the site is in a strategic location and is identified in the Local Plan as a site for  edevelopment. He stated that the Mayor of London has identified Lewisham as one of four transport hubs and includes the proposal for the extension of the Bakerloo Line extension.

Michael Forrester presented an overview of the scheme and planning context. He stressed that this scheme is to be considered as a fresh application and is not a resubmission of an earlier application. He tabled an addendum to the committee report which contained clarification on the cycle provision and an update on recently received consultation responses.

Cllr Paschoud asked for confirmation of the public realm contribution and works on the river. Michael Forrester confirmed that with extensive discussion with the Environment Agency, the applicant has worked up a model to pay half the cost of the proposed river works. This will be secured in a S.106 Agreement and the river works will commence when the Tesco sites

comes forward.

Cllr Bell queried whether the levels of social and affordable rents had been agreed with the Lewisham housing team. Michael Forrester confirmed that the team supported these levels, but details would be secured in a s106.

In answer to a query from Cllr Reid, Michael Forrester explained that the comments from the GLA (para 6.16 of the committee report) were received at an early stage in the planning process and that the GL Hearn Viability review had not yet been received. Subject to the committee’s decision, this  application will be referred to the GLA for stage 2 and they would

then be able to provide a further response on the scheme.

Cllr Paschoud requested confirmation that the public access to the sky deck was secured in the S. 106 Agreement along with operating times, etc. The operating costs would be paid from the profits of the ground floor café.

The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes until 20:16 due to IT issues in displaying the applicant’s presentation. Jamie Pearson (Meyer Homes), James Everitt (EPR architects) and Steven Butterworth (Lichfields), representing the applicant team, presented their scheme.

Cllr Paschoud stated that the Sky Deck could be a possible lunch destination for residents and workers in the area. Cllr Clarke queried security access and health & safety issues with the applicant. These had been reviewed, groups would be pre-booked in advanced and requirements would be similar to the Sky Garden.

Cllr Bell again requested clarification on the levels of affordable housing provided and why they were thought to be acceptable. The applicants responded that they had worked to address the requirements for affordable housing requested by officers.

Cllr Walsh queried the scheme’s public benefits which mitigate and justify the height of the building; including what amenities were going to be provided in the public square. The applicant confirmed that facilities for pop up markets could be conditioned. Cllr Walsh requested that market pitches at affordable rents.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.