Delancey’s proposed major mixed-use development in Elephant & Castle, SE1, is facing a significant setback after councillors rejected a recommendation for approval by planning officers.
Southwark Council’s planning committee decided against approving a plan for around 1,000 homes and new University of the Arts London facilities at the end of an eight-hour meeting last night.
Concerns that the 35% affordable housing commitment and levels of affordable retail were too low were among reasons given for the decision. Southwark councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, said: “We understand the strong feelings of many local people, particularly regarding affordable housing and business space, as these are priorities that the council shares. We remain committed to finding a solution for a new shopping centre and home for UAL’s London College of Communication that works for everyone.”
The developer will have another chance to progress with the scheme on 30 January, when the planning committee is due to meet again to vote on the proposal to refuse the scheme.
The 2.35m sq ft scheme would comprise a 566,000 sq ft new campus for the University of the Arts London, 316,000 sq ft of shops, 33,000 sq ft of offices and 74,000 sq ft of assembly and leisure space.
The proposal also includes a new Underground station to improve accessibility and capacity. Elephant & Castle is served by the Northern and Bakerloo lines, as well as overground railway and many bus routes. The proposed development on the East Site will improve the interchange between these transport links.
A Delancey spokesman said: “We are proud of the proposals that were presented to the planning committee last night for a new town centre for Elephant & Castle.
“They are ambitious, innovative and offer great benefits for a wide range of people who want to live, work and learn at The Elephant.
“The motion proposed and recommended by officers was to approve these plans. We are disappointed that the committee, by a narrow margin, rejected this motion and recommendation. However, the committee were unable to formulate grounds for this refusal and in the absence of these, voted to defer to the planning committee on 30 January. As such, the planning application has not been refused at this stage.
“This is particularly disappointing as the proposals reflect four years of dedicated work. We have consulted widely and over 90% of people who took their valuable time to engage with us were in favour of the proposals.”
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