We are concerned about the loss of light in our homes and streets from the building of a 24 storey tower next to low-rise homes.
An independent BRE review is needed:
1. During consultation residents were told there would be no new sunlight assessment. However, a new assessment was submitted in 2022.
2. The planners have submitted plans that conflict with prior planning permission & the London Plan Policy. Thames Water has current capacity for only 100 out of the 262 flats. We suspect there will be shortcomings in the sunlight assessment too.
3. Other local tower planning applications have been rejected on the grounds of sunlight loss.
An independent review by BRE will be paid for by funds raised so we can send our findings to Lambeth Council and the Mayor's Office.
Most local residents want the land to be used for quality homes. A lower tower that is integrated with the community should be the priority, rather than maximum profit for investors.
What we'll deliver:
- Independent Review of the Sunlight Assessment submitted with Planning Permission in December 2022
- Review document sent by CTRA to Planning Officer, local Councillors, local MP and GLA
- Review document sent to local residents, resident groups and media
Why it's a great idea:
If the review highlights inaccuracies about the impact of sunlight loss on the area, we can take this to Lambeth Council who will take this into consideration when granting planning permission.
It may be the reason for planning permission to be rejected, so that a lower tower plan can be submitted for this land in the future.
A lower tower would mean fewer local residents are affected by loss of sunlight.
Should the plans go 'back to the drawing board', then more of the objections raised could be considered.
The current plans would provide 600 new residents in Lambeth who do not have outdoor amenities, suffer from noise pollution in single aspect over-heating flats requiring mechanical ventilation.
The poor quality design with the 'build to rent' model will make the neighbourhood transient, affecting local life.
New designs can bring an appropriate and attractive development that integrates and builds our community.
Steps to get it done:
- Review report received by BRE
- BRE review is communicated with residents
The Planning Permission is available to view on the Lambeth's website https://tinyurl.com/TowerPlanning
The Sunlight Assessment is one of the 94 accompanying documents.
We have already found:
The development’s density is extreme
The proposed single aspect dwellings fail to meet housing design standards
The design is not consistent with guidance for towers in the London Plan
This application is inconsistent with previous outline approval for this site
The play space provided is insufficient and walking access to off-site amenities is unsafe for children
External amenity space for residents is insufficient
The housing mix is not balanced and does not meet Lambeth targets
The Urban Greening Factor target score is not met
The site’s location is unsuitable for a tall building
There has been no assessment of pedestrian access through the streets to the north (Thorparch, Crimsworth, Goldsboro Roads)
More information on this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-FZNXLbiwxHV5iGaB1bPdD
