Case 3355442

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF

London Borough of Southwark — appeal allowed

Outcome
Allowed
Decision date
26 February 2025
Authority
London Borough of Southwark
Inspector
Gethin T
Procedure
Written Representations
Casework type
Planning Appeal
Type detail
Planning Appeals - Full
Development type
Minor Dwellings
Appellant
CLMO Associates Limited
LPA reference
22/AP/0529
ONS LPA code
E09000028
Jurisdiction
Transferred
Link status
Not Linked
Start date
5 December 2024

Summary AI

The appeal site is in a relatively prominent position and contains a three-storey flat-roof property. The development proposed would not harm the character and appearance of the locally listed building or the Camberwell Green CA.

Generated from the decision letter — check against the original before relying on it.

PDF text

Page 1 · Chunk 0 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Site visit made on 5 February 2025 by T Gethin BA (Hons), MSc, MRTPI an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State Decision date: 26 February 2025 Appeal Ref: APP/A5840/W/24/3355442 7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF • The appeal is made under section 78 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended) against a refusal to grant planning permission. • The appeal is made by CLMO Associates Limited against the decision of the Council of the London Borough of Southwark. • The application Ref is 22/AP/0529. • The development proposed is described as Roof and side extensions to the existing residential dwelling (Use Class C3) at first and second floors in connection with the conversion of the existing residential flat (Use Class C3) to create 2 residential flats (Use Class C3) on first to third floors (accessed from ground floor), including alterations to parapet, chimney and rear external staircase and the creation of two rear gardens including, landscaping and refuse and cycle storage. Decision 1.

Page 1 · Chunk 1 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision The appeal is allowed and planning permission is granted for Side extensions to the existing residential dwelling (Use Class C3) at first and second floors and roof extension over extended building in connection with the conversion of the existing residential flat (Use Class C3) to create 2 residential flats (Use Class C3) on first to third floors (accessed from ground floor), including alterations to parapet, chimney and rear external staircase and the creation of two rear gardens including, landscaping and refuse and cycle storage at 7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF in accordance with the terms of the application, Ref 22/AP/0529, and subject to the conditions set out in the schedule to this decision. Preliminary Matters 2. The description of development in the banner heading above has been taken from the planning application form. However, the appellant’s appeal form includes different wording which better captures the scope of the development and reflects that used in the Council’s Decision Notice. I have therefore used this revised description in my decision. 3.

Page 1 · Chunk 2 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision As the proposal is in a conservation area (CA), I have paid special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of that area, as set out in section 72(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (the Act). The National Planning Policy Framework (Framework) also sets out that heritage assets should be conserved in a manner appropriate to their significance, that great weight should be given to the conservation of designated heritage assets and that the effect on the significance of a non-designated heritage asset should be taken into account in determining development proposals. Adding to this, the Heritage Supplementary Planning Document sets out the Council’s commitment to the historic environment. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate

Page 2 · Chunk 3 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Appeal Decision APP/A5840/W/24/3355442 4. During the course of the appeal, the appellant and Council agreed a late-stage viability review and this has been secured by the submitted section 106 legal agreement. On this basis, the Council has indicated that the second reason for refusal has been overcome. Main Issue 5. Accordingly, the main issue is the effect of the development proposed on the character and appearance of the locally listed building and Camberwell Green CA. Reasons 6. Forming the end of a row of terraced properties and fronting Camberwell Green and Camberwell Passage, the appeal site is in a relatively prominent position. It contains a three-storey flat-roof property with a two-storey side projection. The early 19th century terrace has a pleasing coherence and rhythm stemming from its various common features, such as projecting double bays at either end, double bay windows in each property and projecting ground-floors. However, the differing roof forms which exist on the terrace mean that it does not have a particularly balanced form overall.

Page 2 · Chunk 4 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision This is especially so given the property at the other end of the terrace (No 13) is four-storeys due to its mansard roof extension and, unlike at the appeal site, its side projection is also set back from its double bay. 7. The site is locally listed and contributes positively to the locally listed terrace and the surrounding area. However, its different roof form and flush side projection temper its overall visual contribution to the terrace. Whilst the set-down of the side projection allows the property to step down towards Camberwell Passage, there is also little substantive evidence that this is an important historical facet of the property or terrace; and given the large development on the other side, neither does it read as a particularly notable or important feature in the locality. 8. The site is within the Camberwell Green CA, whose significance stems from, amongst other aspects, its historical development and the central core of the Green, where important through-routes intersect and groups of buildings, mostly dating from between the late 18th and early 20th centuries, combine into frontages to define the space.

Page 2 · Chunk 5 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Creating strong rhythms, architecture in the CA includes buildings ranging from those with a relatively limited range of materials to classical and revivalist styles. As set out in the Council’s CA Appraisal, the group value of buildings and the street frontages formed by shops are essential to the area’s urban character and form; and the site, as part of the wider terrace, is identified as a key unlisted building for its group value and providing containment to the west side of the Green. 9. Although relatively large, the proposed extensions would not read as discordant or unacceptably bulky given the larger built form and similar mansards in the locality, including at the other end of the terrace. In addition, with the side extension being set back from the site’s principal double bay, and the roof extension also being set back, the predominance of double bays would remain and the development proposed would neither dominate the building nor harm the terrace’s rhythm. In coming to this view, I have taken account of the extent of the proposed set back and the site’s different context to No 13. 10.

Page 2 · Chunk 6 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Whilst the property’s configuration would change, the loss of the step-down to the passage would not eradiate its form or affect the site’s contribution to the terrace. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 2

Page 2 · Chunk 7 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Whilst the property’s configuration would change, the loss of the step-down to the passage would not eradiate its form or affect the site’s contribution to the terrace. https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 2

Page 3 · Chunk 8 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Appeal Decision APP/A5840/W/24/3355442 Indeed, the proposed side and roof extension would read as balancing the terrace and suitably bookending it. With the upper floors still providing accommodation, the site’s original residential use would also not be overwritten. 11. For the above reasons, I conclude that the development would not harm the character and appearance of the locally listed building or the Camberwell Green CA, with the significance of both heritage assets being conserved. I therefore find that it accords with Policies P14, P20, P21 and P26 of the Southwark Plan 2019- 2036 (SP) and Policies D4 and HC1 of the London Plan. Amongst other aspects, these seek the delivery of good design and solutions that respond to a site’s context and constraints; expect development to conserve and enhance the significance of designated and non-designated heritage assets and take into account locally listed buildings; and set out that development in conservation areas will only be granted where it preserves or enhances character or appearance. 12. The Council also alleges a conflict with SP Policy P19.

Page 3 · Chunk 9 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision However, my attention has not been drawn to why it is relevant and it is not alleged that the appeal proposal would harm a listed building or its setting. The policy has therefore not been determinative in my decision. Conditions 13. I have had regard to the various suggested planning conditions and considered them against the tests in the Framework and the advice in the Planning Practice Guidance. I have made such amendments as necessary to comply with those documents, for clarity and consistency, and to ensure that details are submitted for the Council’s approval where relevant. 14. In addition to the standard time limit condition, I have imposed a condition requiring the carrying out of the development in accordance with the approved plans in the interests of certainty. The pre-commencement condition is necessary to ensure that the preserved tree near to the site is not harmed from construction works. However, the condition is in an amended form from that suggested by the Council because the details listed (and for example any meetings considered necessary) can be agreed between the parties at the appropriate point and subsequently provided as part of the application to discharge the condition. 15.

Page 3 · Chunk 10 Appeal Decision

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — Appeal Decision Combining two of the Council’s suggested conditions, condition four, relating to external materials and section drawings, is necessary in the interests of character and appearance. Condition five is necessary in the interests of the living conditions of adjoining occupiers. However, I have amended the condition to allow the side windows to be openable above 1.7 metres from floor level as this would allow additional air circulation on the first-floor without significantly affecting the privacy of adjoining occupiers. Conclusion 16. For the above reasons, and having had regard to all other matters raised and the submitted evidence, I conclude that the proposed development accords with the development plan. The appeal is therefore allowed.

Page 3 · Chunk 11 T Gethin

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — T Gethin INSPECTOR https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 3

Page 3 · Chunk 12 T Gethin

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — T Gethin INSPECTOR https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 3 Appeal Decision APP/A5840/W/24/3355442 SCHEDULE OF CONDITIONS 1) The development hereby permitted shall begin not later than three years from the date of this decision. 2) The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: OS Location Plan (Drawing No 7354 - EX – LP, Rev A); Proposed Site Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-01, Rev I); Proposed Basement Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-02, Rev I); Proposed Ground Floor Plan (Drawing No 7354- PL-03, Rev I); Proposed First Floor Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-04, Rev I); Proposed Second Floor Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-05, Rev I); Proposed Third Floor Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-05.2, Rev I); Proposed Roof Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-05.3, Rev I); Proposed front Elevation (Drawing No 7354-PL-06, Rev I); Proposed Rear Elevation (Drawing No 7354-PL-07, Rev I); Proposed Flank Elevation (Drawing No 7354-PL-08, Rev I); Proposed Sections AA / BB Plan (Drawing No 7354-PL-09, Rev I); and Proposed Street Elevation (Drawing No 7354-PL-10, Rev I).

Page 4 · Chunk 13 T Gethin

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — T Gethin 3) No site clearance, preparatory work or development shall take place until a scheme for the protection of retained trees (tree protection plan) and the appropriate working methods (arboricultural method statement) in accordance with British Standard BS 5837: Trees in relation to design, demolition and construction - Recommendations (or in an equivalent British Standard if replaced) has been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The scheme for the protection of the retained trees shall thereafter be carried out as approved. 4) No development above ground level other than demolition shall take place until the following have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority: details and samples of the materials to be used in the construction of the external surfaces of the extension hereby permitted; and section detail-drawings at a scale of at least 1:10 through the façades, parapets, and heads, cills and jambs of all openings. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the approved details and samples.

Page 4 · Chunk 14 T Gethin

7 Camberwell Green, Southwark, London, SE5 7AF — London Borough of Southwark — T Gethin 5) The first floor windows on the side elevation of the building shall be obscure glazed and no part of those windows that is less than 1.7 metres above the floor of the room in which it is installed shall be capable of being opened. The windows shall be retained thereafter. END OF SCHEDULE https://www.gov.uk/planning-inspectorate 4

Extracted from the decision letter PDF and shown in full, chunk by chunk.

Main issues and findings

Heritage impact
Against appellant
¶9

The proposed extensions would not read as discordant or unacceptably bulky given the larger built form and similar mansards in the locality.

Heritage impact
Against appellant
¶11

The development would not harm the character and appearance of the locally listed building or the Camberwell Green CA, with the significance of both heritage assets being conserved.

Policies relied on

Reference Weight
P14, P20, P21 and P26 of the Southwark Plan 2019-2036 (SP)
Determinative
Policies D4 and HC1 of the London Plan
Determinative

Site constraints from the Casework Database

Conservation area
Green belt
Listed building setting
AONB
SSSI
Flooding an issue

Source

Decision letter, 4 pages, issued by the Planning Inspectorate on 26 February 2025 under the Open Government Licence.