Southwark Council has approved the redevelopment of New City Court at 4-26 St Thomas Street, despite concerns raised by heritage groups about the project's impact on the Borough High Street Conservation Area and surrounding listed buildings. The proposed development, situated near landmarks like the Shard, has faced scrutiny regarding its design and potential effects on the historic area.
The Planning Committee (Major Applications) A granted planning permission and listed building consent on Tuesday 22 July 2025, for applications 24/AP/3803 and 24/AP/3804. The approved plans involve:
- Redeveloping the existing 1980s office building with partial demolition and side and upward extensions, creating a 10-storey office building.
- Redeveloping Keats House, retaining its historic frontage and adding a roof extension.
- Restoring and refurbishing the listed Georgian terrace at nos. 4-16 St Thomas Street to create level front entrances to the offices, internal alterations and new glazed roof to the rear courtyard.
- Undertaking associated public realm and highway works, cycle parking, and ancillary works.
The approval is subject to conditions, a Section 106 agreement, and referral to the Mayor of London.
However, the decision was not without controversy. Several consultees voiced concerns about the potential harm to heritage assets. Historic England acknowledged the reduced scale compared to previous proposals but argued that the scheme still failed to respond to the character of the Borough High Street Conservation Area
and would cause less than substantial harm
to the conservation area and listed buildings. The Conservation Area Advisory Group recommended refusal, citing harm to the conservation area and the changed character of Kings Head Yard. Southwark Cathedral also expressed concerns about harm to its setting and views.
Living Bankside supported the principle of development but felt that mitigations and tangible benefits were inadequate to address significant harms, raising concerns about daylight and sunlight, heritage assets, lack of housing, poor consultation, construction noise, and lack of green space.
Despite these objections, the committee authorised the Director of Planning and Growth to make minor modifications to the proposed conditions and to refuse planning permission, if appropriate, for the reasons set out in paragraph 383 of the Public reports pack, in the event that the requirements are not met by 31 October 2025.
The committee granted planning permission and listed building consent, subject to conditions, a Section 106 agreement and referral to the Mayor of London.
