Mayor approves 19-storey tower in Rotherhithe New Road

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 Mayor of London Boris Johnson has approved a planning application for a 19-storey tower in Rotherhithe New Road despite his “concerns” about the scheme’s design.

The development – designed by HLM Architects – includes 158 homes, space for the Southwark Free School (a 450-place primary school), a new sixth-form centre for the City of London Academy as well as facilities for the Bede House charity.

The applicant is SCCD Developments which describes itself a family-run local business owned by Tom and Donna Pratt, proprietors of Southwark Metals.

The site is at the southern end of Rotherhithe New Road, close to Old Kent Road and St James’s Road.

Southwark Council’s planning committee turned down the application in June for a range of reasons including overdevelopment, inadequate affordable housing and poor architecture.

 In July Mayor of London Boris Johnson announced he was to to ‘take over’ the application. On Thursday this week he held a hearing to receive representations for and against the proposal.

Introducing the scheme, Greater London Authority planner Lucy Bird said that the tower would provide a ‘distinctive landmark’ for the area.

However, Southwark Council planning officer Bridin O’Connor told the Mayor that “this is the wrong development in the wrong place”, highlighting concerns about loss of industrial space,  the “wholly incongruous” tall building, the very high density of the proposals, road safety and other transport impacts.

Catherine Stevens, governor of Southwark Free School, explained that the school currently operates from the Ledbury Estate tenants’ and residents’ hall and currently only has eight pupils in its reception class due to lack of space.

The hearing was also addressed by Richard Bannister, principal of the City of London Academy, who said that by moving his sixth form centre to Rotherhithe New Road he would be able to expand capacity in years 7 to 11 at the school’s existing Lynton Road campus.

Sean Tickle, the developer’s agent, claimed that the scheme represents an “innovative approach to mixed-use development” and noted that this had been recognised with a commendation in this year’s New London Awards.

Announcing that he was minded to approve the scheme, the Mayor noted that this was a “very difficult case” but “on balance” he would accept his officers’ recommendation to back the development.

Bermondsey ‘free school’ principal leaves after first term

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Tony Searle, principal of the Compass secondary ‘free school’ which opened in September on the former Southwark College Bermondsey campus, is stepping down for ‘personal reasons’.

In a letter to parents published on the school website, chair of governors Dale Bassett writes:

I regret to inform you that very sadly, for personal reasons, our principal Tony Searle will be stepping down from Compass at the end of the term.
We are extremely proud of the fantastic first term Compass has had and our number one priority continues to be providing an excellent education for your child. In the new year we will start the recruitment process for an outstanding head who will build on the work already done and I hope to be in a position to announce that appointment in the spring.
In the interim our vice-chair of governors, Lauren Thorpe, has been appointed as interim principal from January. Ms Thorpe is an experienced, qualified secondary school teacher who trained on the acclaimed Teach First programme. She has taught in comprehensive, grammar and international schools, in Southwark, the south of England and Hong Kong. She has experience of working in a new school, leading teams of teaching staff and setting high expectations for staff and pupils. She holds a master’s degree from the Institute of Education, University of London.

Sainsbury’s Local to replace Castello restaurant in Jamaica Road?

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Sainsbury’s has submitted an application for advertisement consent (13/AP/4192) to Southwark Council to install a new shopfront and cash machine at 192-196 Jamaica Road.

The premises is currently occupied by the long-established Castello Italian restaurant.

A new Tesco Metro store is due to open at the junction of Jamaica Road and Abbey Street early in the New Year.

Southwark Council approves Canada Water Area Action Plan

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The revisions to Southwark’s planning policy for Canada Water to take into account the impact of the closure of the Harmsworth Quays print works were approved last night by a meeting of the full council.

The revised document  – which paves the way for more high-rise developments at Canada Water – was opposed by local Lib Dem councillors.

listen to ‘Canada Water Area Action Plan at Council Assembly’ on Audioboo

The documents are available here.

Sainsbury’s Local opens at Canada Water

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The new Sainsbury’s Local store at the bottom of the Ontario Point tower, Canada Water, opened its doors on Tuesday morning.

The store is Sainsbury’s first foray into SE16, with the nearest branches being at Bermondsey Square and New Cross.

The shop is larger than many of the local convenience stores. Indeed, the size of the trading area means that its  opening hours are restricted by Sunday trading legislation.

Sainsbury’s Local Canada Water is open Monday-Saturday 7am-11pm and Sunday 11am-5pm.

Boris: I understand Rotherhithe slow broadband frustration

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“I understand how frustrating it must be for the residents of Rotherhithe to have slower broadband areas than they rightly expect to receive,” said Mayor of London Boris Johnson this week.

The Mayor was responding to questions tabled by London Assembly members Val Shawcross (Labour) and Darren Johnson (Green).

The Green Party assembly member asked the Mayor: ” Will you write to the European Commission urging them to investigate the market failure that is depriving residents in Rotherhithe of superfast broadband, enabling the Government and GLA to ensure that all properties – for businesses and residents – are able to gain superfast connections without falling foul of state aid rules?”

The Mayor replied: “Through the process to develop the Super Connected Cities Programme, BDUK, on the delivery authorities’ behalf, have discussed extensively the barriers to the public sector taking a role in the installation of ultrafast broadband.

“As a result of this process, the entire programme has been reviewed and shifted from a supply to demand led offer, as the state aid legislation was seen as an insurmountable barrier. DCMS are taking this up with the EU Commissioner.”

Extra cash for Russia Dock Woodland and Southwark Park

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Russia Dock Woodland and Southwark Park are among eight open spaces in the borough which have secured grants of £10,000 each from the Queen Elizabeth II Fields London Legacy Fund.

The funding will be put towards new natural play equipment in Russia Dock Woodland whilst Southwark Park will see improvements to the paved area at Ada Salter Gardens and the installation of a new artificial cricket pitch.

Councillor Barrie Hargrove, cabinet member for transport, environment and recycling, said: “I am pleased to have been successful in the bids for the London Legacy Funding.

“We now have the opportunity to further invest in our parks with new play facilities for young people and landscape improvements.

“It’s been a fantastic year for our parks across the borough. Not only have we received new Green Flag Awards and opened a first class BMX track, but we’ve also had a really positive response from our recent resident satisfaction survey results.”