Plans to redevelop 20-24 Pope’s Road in Brixton, SW9, have been approved by Lambeth Council despite more than 1,600 objections to the scheme.
Taylor McWilliams’ firm AG Hondo is to replace the existing property with an Adjaye Associates-designed office-led scheme rising to 20 storeys.
It will house 273,780 sq ft of office space, 34,574 sq ft of flexible retail and restaurant space and a further 2,379 sq ft of community space.
Historic England maintained its objection to the scheme, which it considers will cause harm to the significance of the Brixton Conservation Area owing to the height and massing of the planned building.
MP for Dulwich and West Norwood Helen Hayes also objected to the scheme raising concerns over whether there would be demand for so much office space in Brixton.
She also previously expressed concern over permitted developments rights being used to turn the office space into luxury flats.
A Lambeth Council spokesman said: “The planning application for 20-24 Popes Road provoked a strong response from the community, with a huge number of comments both for and against the plans submitted during the consultation period. The strength of community feeling was acknowledged by the planning applications committee members.
“In weighing up the pros and cons of the application, the committee voted to approve the application by four votes to three. The scheme was judged to offer significant economic and social benefits to the area in terms of new jobs, new offices and new community space. It is viewed as potentially delivering a significant economic boost to Brixton and the wider borough.”
The council spokesman added that the council had secured a “substantial” package of benefits from Hondo AG, including an uplift in the provision of affordable workspace, dedicated community space and an improved employment and skills package.
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