Plans from Texan Taylor McWilliams’ firm AG Hondo to redevelop 20-24 Pope’s Road in Brixton, SW9, have been recommended for approval despite several objections.
The firm is seeking to replace the existing property, which currently houses Sports Direct and Flannels stores, with an office-led scheme rising to 20 storeys designed by Adjaye Associates.
Around 273,780 sq ft of office space, 34,574 sq ft of flexible retail and restaurant space and a further 22,991 sq ft of retail space will be delivered.
However, Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, has objected to the scheme.
She expressed concerns over whether there would be the demand for so much office space in Brixton, particularly given the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the economy and work patterns, as well as whether the levels of rent needed in order to meet the costs of construction and maintenance of a tall building could be achieved.
Hayes also flagged the potential for the building to be turned into luxury flats without the need to provide affordable housing under the government’s expansion of permitted development rights.
Lambeth’s planning officer, in his report to the planning committee on the scheme, suggested that a condition to restrict the developer from being able to switch the office space to residential under permitted development be agreed.
Historic England has also objected to the plans, which it considers will cause harm to the significance of the Brixton Conservation Area.
The organisation said the site has not been identified as suitable for a tall building and the proposals “far exceed the height parameters for the adjacent, less sensitive site on Brixton Station Road by 30 metres”.
The scheme is up in front of Lambeth Council’s planning committee on 25 August.
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