Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has given the green light to a temporary bar at the Elizabeth House site in Waterloo, aiming to inject life into the area while long-term redevelopment plans progress. The temporary permission is for 18 months, after which the site will be restored to its original condition, aligning with the council's long-term redevelopment plans.
The committee, which met on Tuesday 9 September 2025, approved the application for the erection of temporary structures at Elizabeth House, 39 York Road, for a temporary bar use. The proposal includes an enclosed seating area, pergolas with covered seating, a fire escape structure, an external bar, associated internal alterations, and a fenced compound containing a refuse area.
According to the Public reports pack Tuesday 09-Sep-2025 19.00 Planning Applications Committee, the design incorporates measures to mitigate potential disturbances, including acoustic fencing and a strategic layout. A Noise Management Plan and Operational Management Plan will be implemented, ensuring the premises are appropriately managed. The Noise Management Plan includes measures to address potential noise complaints from nearby residents or businesses.
The report pack notes that planning permission for the demolition of the existing building has already been granted and remains extant. The proposal seeks temporary planning permission for 18 months only, and it would not be prejudicial to future redevelopment and ambitions for the site and the local area. Condition 1 secures the return of the affected part of the building to its existing state following the 18-month period, ensuring no conflict with the Council's longer-term ambitions for the site.
Attendees at the meeting included Councillor Olga FitzRoy, Councillor Alison Inglis-Jones (Food Poverty Champion), Councillor Joanne Simpson (Animal Welfare Champion), Councillor Malcolm Clark, Councillor Scott Ainslie (Group Leader), Councillor Martin Bailey (Chair of Pensions Committee), Councillor Diogo Costa (Policy Lead for Digital, Data and Insight), Councillor Saleha Jaffer (Deputy Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities), and Councillor Emma Nye.