Southwark Council's Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) has approved plans for a new six-storey residential building at 56-60 Comber Grove, Camberwell, replacing the existing youth club with 39 new homes.
The scheme includes 40% on-site affordable housing, comprising 25% social rented and 15% shared ownership units. The breakdown by unit is 25 private, 9 social rented, and 5 shared ownership. The dwelling mix by bedroom size is 12 x 1 Bedroom (30.8%), 17 x 2 Bedrooms (43.6%), and 10 x 3 Bedrooms (25.6%).
During the meeting on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, Councillor Margy Newens raised concerns about the development's green roof and its long-term maintenance. It was agreed that a condition would be added to ensure the retention of the green roof in perpetuity. The applicant's architect, Alex Wythe, explained that intensive green roofs, they don't require much maintenance. They have a kind of a yearly requirement.
The freeholder of the property will maintain it as part of the service charge. A condition was agreed for the approved Green Roof system shall be fully completed prior to the first occupation of the building and shall be retained and maintained thereafter for the lifetime of the development. Any dead, failing or damaged planting must be replaced during the next planting season.
Councillor Newens also questioned the provision of three years of car club membership, which was confirmed as common for major schemes. It was clarified that the applicant would need to secure an agreement with an alternative operator following Zipcar's departure from London.
Councillor Andy Higson inquired about the breakdown of affordable housing by bedroom size. While a slide was presented, an officer offered to calculate the exact figures. Councillor Newens also raised a point from the report regarding the perceived inefficiency of the dual entrance lift system to negotiate the change in level at the ground floor. The applicant's architect, Alex Wythe, explained that the raised ground floor was necessary due to flood risk and the dual lift system was considered the neatest solution for accessibility.
Councillor James Moyse expressed reassurance about the potential for the affordable housing proportion to increase from 40% to 100%, with the applicant explaining this was dependent on grant funding from the Greater London Authority (GLA).
The committee voted unanimously to approve the application, with Councillor Richard Taylor, Chair of the Committee, moving the motion. Further details can be found in the Public reports pack.
