Wednesday 3 June 2009

Lambeth Planning Ref ; 09/00233/FUL/DC_KHU - Beefeater Gin Distillery

Lambeth Planning Ref ; 09/00233/FUL/DC_KHU - Beefeater Gin Distillery

Kate Hughes ,
Case Officer,
Lambeth Planning.


Dear Ms Hughes,

I am writing on behalf of the Kennington Association to express local concerns about the above planning application.

The Kennington Association have been, and continue to be, broadly supportive of the proposed visitor centre at the Beefeater Gin Distillery. However, some members of the association who live in the immediate vicinity of the distillery have voiced some concerns over the proposals.

The main areas of concern centre around the number of visitors expected, access for coaches etc. (with the potential associated noise and congestion) and some residents feel that there has been inadequate consultation.

We understand that proposed coach access will be by the Kennington Green gate (which is already used by lorries for deliveries) but the exit seems to be in Montford Place - why?

Occasional visiting coaches often cause problems such as blocked pavements. Residents would like assurances that this existing problem will not be exacerbated by the increased numbers of coaches etc.

There seems to have been little or no discussion about the proposed hours of operation and residents are concerned about the possibility of a 7 day a week operation which they would be opposed to (especially on Sundays).

The Kennington Association would like to see assurances that these issues will be addressed and that tight controls be set for visitor numbers and hours of operation for the proposed visitor centre so that the negative impact for the residents of the immediate neighbourhood is kept to a minimum.

All best wishes,

Kevin Rimmington

Deputy Chair, Kennington Association