Residents of Telegraph Hill have voiced their concerns regarding a retrospective planning application for a terrace constructed above the existing conservatory and an elevated walkway at Skehans Freehouse, located at 1 Kitto Road, in the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area. The application was discussed at a Lewisham Council Planning Committee A meeting on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, where the planning officer recommended that planning permission be granted.
The application was brought before the committee because it had been 'called in' by a local ward Councillor. Despite the objections, the planning officer, Alfie Williams, recommended that planning permission be granted, stating in the report that the proposed development is not considered to harm the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area or the locally listed building and is acceptable in terms of urban design. He added that an acoustic report found that any increase in noise is modest, given the existing noise environment, and could be mitigated successfully by acoustic screening, controls on the hours of use, and restrictions on amplified noise.
According to the Public Reports Pack, the council received representations from 18 residents, all objecting to the development. A petition against the development, bearing 20 signatures, was also submitted. The Telegraph Hill Society also objected.
Key issues raised by residents and the Telegraph Hill Society included:
- The impact on the character and appearance of the Telegraph Hill Conservation Area.
- The impact on the setting and significance of the locally listed building.
- Concerns that the design and materials used were inappropriate.
- Obstruction of views of the hayloft and stables.
- Adverse privacy impacts on neighbouring properties.
- Increased noise and disturbance.
- Flaws with the acoustic report submitted with the application.
- Adverse light pollution.
Residents raised concerns about the use of unsympathetic materials, but planning officers did not share these concerns. The Public Reports Pack states: While the development partially obscures the outbuilding, it is not of significant heritage value to warrant protection of views.
The Public Reports Pack also noted that a minor variation application to add a restrictive condition to the license had been granted in November 2024, stating that The small external upper deck area at the premises will only be used up to 22:00hrs daily. After 22:00 the area will be closed
. The local ward Cllrs also requested that the application be determined at Planning Committee.