Back in 2019, 1000 people signed this petition against the 70 metre tower to be built as part of Lambeth College.  More have signed this week.

We only have 24 hours to submit comments on the planning portal

WE NEED YOUR HELP

BACKGROUND - NOV. 2019

Although sunlight for neighbouring houses will be restricted with a tower more than twice the height of the tallest surrounding building, the previous planning application WAS PASSED by a 3:2 vote. 

It was on the basis that half of the tower would be used as educational facilities, and the other half for student housing.

Three years later, there is a new planning application for a tower exactly the same size and shape, but a change of use to 'residential'.  It is proposed to be a 'build to rent' model and so new planning application is needed for a 'change of use'.

The intensity and design of the tower is to fit in as many flats as possible to generate a higher yield.  This is not about addressing our housing need, this is about as much money as possible for developers. The balance of the size flats is not in line with Lambeth's demand, and there is no community integration and a lack of impact assessment due to the previous planning.  

The poor quality flats on a rental model will not bring a community that will come and love the area and stay.  57% are single aspect, and due to the nearby noise in the night from the market, they will be prone to overheating and freezing in winter, and will require mechanical ventilation.

We are not against homes in this space, but we are against the size, the density of cramped living spaces, and the lack of outdoor amenity, play spaces, green areas that are suggested as minimum requirements in London and Lambeth planning guidelines.

Please 'make a comment' on the planning portal

We had nearly 1000 signatures on the petition when planning was approved in 2019, so we decided not to run the petition again this time, but instead focus on getting good informed comments on the planning portal.  We thought the council would take the public opinion on their portal more seriously.

Many people have re-found the petition and started signing it this week.  We would like to ask you to ALSO spend 5 mins to make a comment on the planning portal.

Go to https://tinyurl.com/TowerPlanning

Register your information - go to your email to verify - then make a comment.

It will take 5 mins.

This has to be done in the next 24 hours.

They may not accept comments after this time.

You do not have to live in Lambeth.

Every one in your household can comment.

If you have problems registering on the portal, you can alternatively email:

planning@lambeth.gov.uk

The application number is 22/04039/FUL

Be sure to add the application number and your contact details, and whether you object or support.  This should be your name, address, email and contact number as anonymous comments won't be accepted.

If you would like more information about the reasons to object, you will find more technical information on https://tinyurl.com/CTRApage.

We appreciate that for many, this is a busy time.

Know that every comment on the planning portal helps to make our voice stronger.