Southwark Council's Planning Committee (Smaller Applications) has approved a retrospective change of use for part of the car park at Myatts Field Court to accommodate private hire vehicles.
The decision, made on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, grants permission for 20 parking spaces to be used by Civilised Car Hire, a business that uses the site as overflow parking for its static fleet. The application sought to regularise an existing use that began in July 2025.
During the meeting, Councillor James Moyse, a ward councillor for Camberwell Green, raised concerns about the stability of a retaining wall bordering the site, which an objector claimed had been worsened by vehicle movements. However, council officers stated that land stability was not a material planning consideration in this instance, as no operational development was proposed and the lawful use of the land was already for car parking. The objector also raised concerns about loss of amenity, privacy, and the promotion of vehicular transport.
Conversely, a supporter of the application highlighted a reduction in anti-social behaviour and an improvement in security since the site began being used for private hire vehicle parking. The applicant stated that the site was primarily used for static vehicles, with an estimated five vehicle movements per day, and that the arrangement would fund necessary roof repairs for Myatts Field Court.
An additional condition was added to the decision notice, stipulating that no more than twenty private hire vehicles shall be parked on the land at any time. The committee also resolved to add an informative regarding engagement with Network Rail due to the site's proximity to their land.