

Kennington is changing - mostly for the better; however, an important function of the Kennington Association is to ensure that the area remains a good place to live with community facilities improved to help meet the new demand created by new development. Email: KAPlanningForum@gmail.com


Jo Negrini
Divisional Director of Enterprise & Regeneration
Lambeth Council
Dated:
Monday, 29th June 2009
Link here:
http://kaplanning.blogspot.
there is an article in Tuesday’s South London Press
‘U-turn on church’s plan for school site’
It does not appear to be available on their website, so I have copy typed it below.
Best wishes
Cathy Preece
KA Administrative Assistant
‘U-turn on church’s plan for school site’
By Chief Reporter
GREG TRUSCOTT
A TOWN HALL has U-turned over controversial plans to sell a former school site to a church.
Labour-run Lambeth had planned to sell the former Lilian Baylis School grounds in Kennington to All Nations Church (ANC).
Lambeth’s Labour leaders had selected the Kennington-based church as its ‘lead partner’ to run the site – which provides sports facilities to young people, a nursery and children’s centre.
But after long negotiations it has emerged that the council now intends to ‘decommission’ the project.
In a report to the borough’s cabinet, a council officer has stated that the proposed offer from the ANC was too low.
It states: ‘The offer proposed by ANC entailed a substantial discount below market value, which the council could not justify through demonstration of public benefit.’
The report states that the council will continue to run the site at an annual cost of £380,000 until a suitable new buyer is found who will agree to keep the community facilities of the site.
It has been estimated that investment of up to £10million is required to bring the buildings – close to the Ethelred Estate – back into full use.
The proposed council and ANC partnership had been the subject of criticism from some groups.
Earlier this year chairwoman of community group the Kennington Association Anna Tapsell wrote to the council urging them not to enter into an agreement with the church.
She said: “The stated beliefs of All Nations are based on a very literal ready of the Bible and include the statement, ‘We believe in the utter depravity of human nature, the necessity of repentance and regeneration and the eternal doom of the finally impenitent’.
“These beliefs will not lead them to engender a sense of worth amongst young people who are disaffected and need to feel encouraged and loved, not ‘evil’ and ‘sinful’.
“And we are concerned about potential intolerance to minorities, such as gays and lesbians.”
An ANC spokeswoman said no one was available to comment.
greg.truscott@slp.co.ukRepresentation
1 This is a representation by David Boardman on behalf of the Kennington Association Planning Forum (KAPF) in relation to the draft Kennington Conservation Area Statement, issued for consultation on 26 October 2009. It amplifies oral representations made by David Boardman at the Statutory Consultation Meeting on 9 November 2009. This representation will be published on the Association’s website, and may in its turn be republished by Lambeth Council.
Timing
2 The draft Statement asks for comments by 23 November 2009.
The Forum
3 The Kennington Association is a voluntary membership association of upwards of 430 members drawn from the wider Kennington area, whose aim is to promote and maintain the Kennington area as a good place to live and work. KAPF is a group of Association members with interest in and experience of planning and development issues, that develops planning policies and makes planning representations on behalf of the wider Association.
General impression of the draft Statement
4 There is much to commend in the draft, with its helpful history, detailed and informed commentary street by street, and its willingness to take a robust view of buildings not making a positive contribution to the conservation area, revealing where, at least in the planners view, there is scope for more "sympathetic" replacements.
The Proposed Measures
5 In order to “preserve or enhance” the “character or appearance” of the conservation area, the draft proposes
This follows PPG15 para 4.4 “The assessment should always note those [statutorily] unlisted buildings which make a positive contribution to the special interest of the area” , and UDP Policy 46, that says that the Council will establish local lists of “buildings and structures of local historic or architectural interest", to be done in accordance with the advice of PPG 15 - Planning and the Historic Environment.
And it gives non-statutory guidance on a range of topics including signage, trees, railing replacement, shop front replacement and satellite dish concealment.
6 A conservation area is defined as an area of special architectural or historic interest the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance, and the adopted UDP for Lambeth says, at para 4.16.16 that "The main threat to most of Lambeth's conservation areas is not the threatened loss of buildings but the gradual erosion and alteration of individual elevational features that together, give the conservation areas their special character. This is particularly the case with rendering/painting, roofing replacements, and replacement of original windows. "
We now assess the draft statement in the light of these perceived challenges, and our local experience.
Extensions
7 These seem something of a mixed bag:
Local Listing
8 Given UDP Policy 46, we understand why Lambeth feel they have to establish a local listing, but we think it is a somewhat cosmetic exercise in a conservation area. Just as the UDP was being adopted, PPG15 was amended, from April 2007, to delete all reference to local listing, and the latest draft replacement, PPS15, does not reinstate the concept. The compilation of a local list may have some merit outside a conservation area, as a watch list in case of proposals for demolition or unsympathetic alteration. But as is acknowledged in the draft statement, local listing has no statutory effect, over and above the normal effects of location in a conservation area, which we understand to be:
9 The UDP policy says, as regards buildings on the local list “The Council will use development control procedures to resist proposals for the demolition or inappropriate alteration of buildings or structures on the local list.... Proposals for the alteration or extension of buildings on the local list will be expected to relate sensitively to the building or structure, and respect its architectural or historic interest. The Council will seek to preserve features of such buildings which contribute to that interest. “
But this is hardly different from the rubric applying to all the positive contribution buildings in the conservation area: “Buildings that make a positive contribution are therefore worthy of retention although some may require restoration or refurbishment. There is a presumption in favour of their sympathetic retention. Demolition or unsympathetic alteration will be resisted.”
10 Nor does local listing address the main threats to conservation areas identified by the UDP for buildings not Grade II listed:
For these reasons we regard local listing as cosmetic. If conscientious exercise of existing planning controls and diligent enforcement are insufficient to tackle real problems (and it’s a big if), then it would seem to us to require some curtailment of permitted development rights by means of an Article 4(2) direction, which can be tailored to the parts of the conservation area, and the relevant rights concerned. [see also comments on the scope of Article 4(2) directions below]
11 The schedule of listed buildings in the conservation area, at Appendix 3, is incomplete, and they are not shown on the attached maps, while the proposed locally listed buildings are. As nearly half the dwellings in the area are already Grade 2 listed, this gives an incomplete impression, and we have identified both sorts on our attached plan. In addition, by limiting its mapping to the Lambeth borough, the Statement mapping of conservation areas omits the contiguous conservation areas in Southwark, notably at Kennington Park Road and West Square, which also contribute to the context. We think that the “Conservation Areas Context” map should show both these areas, appropriately labelled, and the map of proposed locally listed buildings should show the Grade II listed buildings in the Conservation Area as well.
12 In this context, we then see that a number of "local list" proposals are filling in gaps in, or adding on to, runs of statutorily listed buildings, eg in Kennington Park Road, Kennington Road, Montford Place, Cleaver Square, Kennington Lane and Denny Street. Indeed, looking at the statutory listings, the question is more, why are the properties in the gaps not Grade II listed, especially in Cleaver Square, where a number of existing listings are already justified in terms of group value.
13 While in our view most of those locally listed buildings make a positive contribution to the conservation area (though there must be a question mark over the proposals for the shops on Kennington Road), there are others equally worthy (eg Tresco House, even if it is a late 20th century pastiche, most of Chester Way, the Methley Street/Ravensdon Street/ Milverton Street/Radcot Street rectangle, and the windmill triangle of shops), If the planners apprehend threats to the character of eg Cleaver Square, they should either go for full Grade II listing of the gap properties, or, if not justified (and we would not want to visit listed building controls on interior changes, like change of fireplace or moving a partition wall, unnecessarily), they should go for Article 4(2) directions designed to mimic the exterior controls of listed building consent.
The Kennington Road Shops
14 The Kennington Road shops, particularly those on the east side, are under stress, as trade leaches away to Tesco, and the centre generally is squeezed between the major developments planned for Elephant and Castle and Vauxhall. Already, three former shops have boarded up frontages, [see photos attached] and local listing, predicated largely on the residential properties behind, is unlikely to assist bringing these frontages back into active and less visually blank uses. The Council should explore other measures, such as shop front grants, and business rate abatements, to attract appropriate service, charitable and public benefit uses that can withstand the convenience shopping squeeze.
Negative and Neutral Contributors
15 The rubric to Appendix 2 is confused, and the description as “unattractive” has been criticised as being merely an expression of contemporary taste (cf 134 Kennington Park Road, now described as unattractive, built in a “modern” style, insisted on by the then planners, with a set back building line, in anticipation of demolition of the entire adjacent terrace, now Grade II listed, for an aborted road widening). Given that so many of the properties in the conservation area are considered to make a positive contribution, it might be sufficient to identify those highlighted in Appendix 2 as “not regarded as making a positive contribution to the conservation area”, or as “properties whose redevelopment would offer the opportunity to improve the conservation area”.
Street Lighting
16 It appears that through an oversight in the PFI procurement processes, heritage lampposts were procured for Methley Street, but not for other deserving streets in the conservation area. The Statement should record that fact, and make its rectification, over time, a target for management of the area, alongside reduction in street furniture clutter.
Replacement Windows
17 The planners have a thing about uPVC replacement windows, which we think overstates the case, certainly as regards visual effect. We are going to be increasingly concerned about energy conservation in dwellings over the next 20 years, and making the improvement of existing buildings compulsory in future years is quite possible. Most of our buildings are built from solid, rather than cavity walls, and interior cladding is expensive and reduces floor area. So reducing heat loss through windows is important for us. Secondary double glazing, the solution towards which the planners steer us is better than nothing, but arguably still second best in energy terms. In these energy conscious times it behoves the planners to demonstrate a case against uPVC, rather than assert it without evidence, and it is notable that only now is the Building Research Station undertaking like for like trials, with the results for the uPVC comparator still awaited. Furthermore, the statement overstates the effect of mixing uPVC and traditional frames – see for example the unlisted Courtney Street properties [see photo attached] where uPVC and traditional are side by side and do not detract from the overall street character. Provided the glazing bar pattern is maintained, there is a lot to be said for uPVC, with its low maintenance cost. And in places like Methley Street, even variation in glazing bar pattern seems less detrimental to character than security screens and barred windows, or painted frontages. While we recognise that properties like the listed buildings in Chester Way, with their flat frontages, need to have a uniform solution for all their windows, we await, in these increasingly energy conscious times, an argued and justified case from the planners against uPVC.
Planning Oversight
18 There is a contrast between the detailed planning oversight to which the planning system aspires in relation to conservation areas and listed buildings, and the resources available to planners to monitor and review the resulting developments. We think the Council should establish an Advisory Committee for the Kennington Conservation Area, involving members of the resident community, who are likely to identify issues much more rapidly than the four yearly review cycle otherwise in prospect. And where the Statement identifies concerns, like the need for sensitive replacement of railings, or screening of litter bins in front gardens [see photo attached], it would be helpful to the wider willing public to give express examples of good practice for emulation, rather than mere exhortation against casual thoughtlessness.
Permitted Development Rights
19 We have identified two apparent anomalies in the scope of permitted development rights
· absent an express extension of the definition of “dwelling house” to include a flat in Article 4(5) of the General Permitted Development Order (SI 1995 No 418, as amended), it would appear to be impossible for an Article 4(2) order to withdraw permitted development rights under Schedule 2 Part 2 Class C (external painting) from a flat
· if the mere re-roofing of a dwelling house in a conservation area falls within the permitted development rights of Schedule 2 Part 1 Class C (See SI 2008 No 2362), it would appear to escape the “similar appearance” condition of Condition A3(a), allowing slate to replace tile or vice versa
Do you agree?
David Boardman
23 November 2009

Lambeth Council
Planning Policy
1st Floor,
10
Email: planningpolicy@lambeth.gov.uk
Kennington Association response to the Site Allocations Development Plan Document
This is the Kennington Association response to the Site Allocations Development Plan Document consultation.
Firstly, we would like to say that we are disappointed with the quality of the documentation which supports this consultation. It is patchy and inconsistent and it is unhelpful that there is not greater reference to provisions in the UDP already established, after long and extensive consultation, that set community limitations upon what is, and is not, acceptable for redevelopment of these sites. We consider that there is considerable weakness in some of the site information provided eg. about site ownership. In some cases the local authority seems unclear about sites it itself owns!
The Kennington Association have chosen to comment only on the Oval and Vauxhall sections because these are the two most closely associated with our remit.
Section 4 (Oval):
Site 29 Ashmole Estate 1: A Community building included in this site ie. Meadow Road Community Hall should be safeguarded or reprovision made acceptable to users and the local community. It is short-sighted and not acceptable to expand residential use without provision for community facilities.
Site 30 Ashmole Estate 2: Any potential changes to this site are not made clear in the document, and as such, listing "community, residential" under "preferred use" does not give information to comment on further. Is this site intended for potential demolition, alteration or refurbishment?
Site 31 The Cricketers public house, 17 Kennington Oval: The UDP notes that historical pubs are being phased out and should be safeguarded. We are concerned about the loss of a public house, and as such, a business asset becoming residential development.
Site 32 Oval House Theatre: The theatre is currently a community venue and similar use for public arts purposes should be sought and retained. We note that there is no claim for residential use and would insist that this building should remain in public use for arts/educational purpose.
Site
Site 34 Offley Works: We are aware of current youth activities occuring on this site. It should not be redeveoped without allocation of space for robust, well managed youth and community use.
Site
Site
We support the improvements sought to link the park more effectively and also comend the preferred use of seeking play provision and community facilities. Local amenity groups including the Friends of Kennington Park should be consulted on more indepth matters concerning this site. Any residential use should seek a 50% provision for social housing.
Section 39 Tesco Supermarket: We would support the creation of active commercial street frontage on
Site 40 Beefeater Distillery: KA are generally supportive of the development of the Visitor Centre for the Beefeater Distillery, but would wish to see restrictions on traffic flow to prevent the attraction causing traffic issues for local residents. We would like to suggest that some thought be given in opening the back of the site so that tourists could visit as pedestrians or on public transport and local businesses can benefit by footfall. Pedestrian visits are encouraged and preferred, so some limitation on coach numbers should be put in place.
Additionally, we would like to state that The Brit Oval (and hotel development), the Distillery (site 40) and the Tesco site (site 39) need to be considered collectively to ensure that the land use is maximised, but does not become overrun by vehicular traffic. Sensitive development would allow for commercial, retail and residential use at the same time as promoting key tourist sites.
We consider that these sites might be able to form a collective hub for visitors eg. a Kennington tourist Visitors centre, in which local history and artisanship could be promoted.
Site 41 Oval Gasworks: We consider that all historic gas holders should be retained for their iconic value and industrial historical heritage worth. Any development would need to be sensitive to Health and Safety issues re. the gas holders.
Section 7 (Vauxhall);
Site 59
Site 60 Coverley / Haymans Point: Any development sought on this site should seek to specifically consult the existing residents of the two main council blocks. A specific pre-consultation of all residents should be soughtl, rather than merely applicatio for planning permission. The former council housing office should be given over to the Vauxhall Gardens Residents Association (VGERTA).
Site 61
Site 62 Darley House: Any redevelopment of this site must seek extensive consultation with existing residents of Darley House.
The allotment should be protected and retained. The adventure playground should be refurbished and extended to provide enhanced play facilities for local housing blocks.
Any development on this site should have section 106 monies set aside to refurbish communal open space/buildings around Kennedy and Jamison House.
The KA reaffirms the UDP’s commitment retaining existing public houses in this area.
Site 63 Lord Clyde,
Site 64 Camelford House / Tintagel House, 87-92 Albert Embankment: Any redevelopment should take into account the possibility of opening up the river walks along the river and open up greater access from the Albert Embankment. Development should not be permitted to be raised higher than current buildings.
Site 65 Texaco Garage, Albert Embankment: Any development to take place on this site should not negatively impinge on 5 Glasshouse Walk as a protected Conservation area building.
Views from
Site 66 Parliament House,
Site 67 London Fire Brigade HQ, 8 Albert Embankment: The removal of the 1980s Fire Brigade control centre would open up the frontage of the Royal Doulton building. We'd make a similar comment here to that on the above at Site 66 and state that any development should not overshadow the medium rise developments on
Site 68
Site 69 Vauxhall Station: We support development of Vauxhall Station transport infrastructure for increased passenger capacity. However, any development should not impinge on
Site 70 Bondway East: The existing homeless provision on this site should be retained and reprovided there.
Site 71 Remainder of the Effra site: We are concerned that the permission granted for a 50 storey building is being used to set a precedent for further up/down the river. We would seek clarification that this will not be a precedent for other buildings, particularly on the Albert Embankment.
Site 72 - 75 (
We would encourage the redevelopment of Keybridge House and do not consider that it is of any architectural merit.
Site 76 (Nine Elms Sainsbury's): Consultation must be made with Adrian, Basil, Conrad, David, Edgar etc. Houses re. any development on the Sainsburys site.
Site 77 (39 - 59 South Lambeth Road): Any further development of site 77 should be made in consultation with the businesses and community that make up ‘Little Portugal’ and evaluated for touristic potential for the overall promotion and enhancement of Little Portugal.
Site 78 (Glasshouse Walk): We strongly support the existing UDP MDO for Vauxhall Walk particularly in respect to Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre at 100 Vauxhall Walk. We want the commitments in the UDP upheld and nothing to weaken the unequivocal pledges that suitable replacement premises are provided. We support the wording that “Improved or enhanced replacement of Vauxhall Gardens Community Centre if necessary for development. This must be supported by the community and the centre. Any replacement facility should: at least reprovide the core community facility and make provision for the retention of the arts based uses; be available within a short timescale within the development process; enhance the current mix of uses; and be of an acceptable design to the centre”.
We also support the idea in the UDP that “New pedestrian links should be created between Glasshouse Walk and
Site 79 (Lambeth Walk/Ethelred Estate): We are exceedingly concerned by the enormity of the area outlined by site 79. Whilst there are elements of this site that should definitely be included, we're concerned about the inclusion of such a large number of buildings and think that this should be broken up into the pieces of land considered to have development potential.
The issue of overturning the listing of the former Lilian Baylis site should be strategically reconsidered to allow for holistic redevelopment of the site by a variety of local organisations. Additionally, the wishes of the entire local community, as expressed previously through the ‘Project Vauxhall’ vote, must be taken into consideration.
We support the regeneration of the historical Lambeth Walk. However, we are concerend that this huge site has come under reconsideration when residents previously refused such grandiose plans.
Site 80 (Former Beaufoy Institute): Any redevelopment of this site should be for the benefit of development the skills of young local artisans. Artists' studis, accomodation and, most importantly, some form of artisan training college would be looked upon favourably by the Kennington Association.
Site 81 (