Category Archives: Planning

Sellar plans 1,000 homes at Decathlon site

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Sellar, the developer responsible for the Shard at London Bridge, has unveiled its early proposals for the redevelopment of the Decathlon and What!!! Stores sites at Canada Water.

At a public exhibition at Canada Water Library the company has set out two options for the development of the site: one featuring a single tall tower surrounded by low-rise buildings and another configuration with two shorter towers.

Sellar plans to incorporate up to 1,000 homes into the development which will include a new Decathlon store and other retail units.

The master plan architects are MacCreanor Lavington and David Chipperfield Architects have also been engaged.

A planning application is likely to be submitted to Southwark Council in late October or early November

More information on the consultation process is available at www.sellarcanadawater.com

Thames Water to press ahead with Chambers Wharf as ‘super sewer’ site

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From Thames Water’s Summary report on phase two consultation for the Thames Tunnel

In light of the feedback that we have received, we believe that no new information has been highlighted that would change the conclusions of our site selection process to date. Chambers Wharf therefore remains our preferred site to drive the main tunnel to Abbey Mills Pumping Station and receive the main tunnel from Kirtling Street; and the long connection tunnel from Greenwich Pumping Station. Additionally, no new information or issues have been identified that would fundamentally change our proposals for this site. Therefore we will continue to develop the proposals for this site that we published at phase two consultation.

The feedback we have received included detailed comments on the construction and operational effects of the proposed development and the measures we propose to reduce and manage those effects. Detailed comments were also made on our proposals for the permanent design and appearance of the site. Having regard to the feedback received we are continuing to refine our detailed proposals for this site to improve the design and reduce the impacts on the local community and environment. Currently we are considering the following changes to the layout and/or appearance of our proposals:

  • reviewing the raised ventilation structure previously proposed to abut the river wall to minimise the effect on the future new public realm
  • additional noise attenuation measures during construction
  • providing a pedestrian crossing near Riverside Primary School
  • opportunities to make further use of the river to transport shaft, other excavated materials and sand and aggregates for secondary tunnel linings to reduce the number of lorries on local roads
  • appropriate arrangements for cross borough monitoring of the construction phases where relevant in the Code of construction practice.
Cllr Peter John, leader of Southwark Council, says:

It’s disgraceful that Thames Water are ploughing on with their plans to use Chamber’s Wharf for part of the Super Sewer.  The community, the council, the Mayor of London and the local MP are all opposed to the use of this site. It seems Thames Water are only listening to their shareholders.

We have fought this proposal at every opportunity as we can find no possible justification for placing a major building site in the middle of a densely residential area and right next to a primary school. We have consistently argued that the disruption caused by 24 hour HGV traffic and drilling will blight lives for years to come.

It beggars belief that these arguments have fallen on deaf ears. Thames Water don’t even appear to acknowledge the petition presented to them by the pupils of Riverside Primary School. They should have closed this issue for good, but are instead just railroading opposition.

Surrey Quays Shopping Centre revamp to start in spring 2013

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The owners of Surrey Quays Shopping Centre have announced that work will start on an extension to the building in early 2013 with completion expected in mid-2014.

The centre is jointly owned by British Land and Tesco who plan to add 18 new shops and restaurants to the complex.

Southwark’s planning committee unanimously approved the extension plans in March but councillors turned down an application for a new double-decker car park.

“The approval for the Surrey Quays Shopping Centre extension is important for the wider regeneration of Canada Water and Rotherhithe and demonstrates our commitment to the area,” says David Pollock, retail development manager for British Land.

“The extension and refurbishment will create additional space that will allow us to attract and accommodate new and exciting retailers, ensuring that Surrey Quays remains competitive in today’s market

” The current shopping experience will be significantly improved for both existing and new customers.”

Bermondsey Town Hall to be converted into 41 homes

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Developer Hollybrook Homes has submitted an application to Southwark Council for the conversion of the old Bermondsey Town Hall in Spa Road.

Conversion of Grade II listed building from B1 offices to provide 41 residential units (Use Class C3). Erection of a roof extension to the existing second floor and internal alterations; incorporating, addition of lightwells along the western boundary and external alterations to the car parking layout, refuse area and cycle parking with associated landscaping.  

Ref 12/AP/1424