(Coldharbour Ward) (10/02057/FUL) PDF 308 KB - Lambeth Council

1 Summary of Main Issues
1.1 The main issues involved in this application are:
• The principle of the proposed change of use from retail shop (Use Class
A1) to restaurant /bar (Use Class A3/A4).
• The impact of the proposal on the streetscene and on the character and
appearance of Brixton Conservation Area.
• The impact of the development on the amenity of neighbouring
residential occupiers.
• Implications of the proposal for community safety in the local area.
• The transport implications of the proposal.
2 Site Description
2.1 The application site is located on the southern side of Coldharbour Lane
approximately 100m to the east of its junction with Brixton Road. The site is
rectangular in shape and is approximately 23m deep with a frontage onto
Coldharbour Lane of 10.5m. The site contains a vacant double fronted ground
floor shop unit in a mid-terraced part single, part 3 storey building. The two
upper floors are in residential use with independent access from street level.
2.2 The ground floor, which occupies the entirety of the site with a single storey
extension to the rear was used as a bicycle retail shop known as ‘Brixton
Cycles’ until 2001. It was subsequently occupied by a fashion retailer who has
since ceased trading. The lawful use of the ground floor remains for retail (Use
Class A1) purposes.
2.3 The rear of the site adjoins a neglected open area, known as ‘Soner Square’
beyond which is the rear of 4 storey residential blocks, which front onto
Rushcroft Road to the south. The application site forms part of a parade of 26
commercial units including retails shops, restaurants and cafes, offices, drinking
establishments and hot food takeaway, situated between the Ritzy bar/Cinema
to the north and the Dogstar Public House to the south.
2.4 Within the Lambeth Unitary Development Plan Proposals Map, the parade of
shops is designated within the Brixton Major Town Centre area. The site is also
within the designated Brixton Conservation Area. The site fronts onto
Coldharbour Lane, which is classified as a London Distributor Road, with on
street waiting controlled by double yellow lines.
3 Planning History
3.1 On 4th April, 1991 planning permission was granted for ‘Change of Use of the
first and second floors to office use’ (Ref DC/90/1401/MAD/17352).
3.2 On 5th January, 1993 planning permission was granted for the ‘Installation of a
parade of new shopfronts along with alterations to the upper facades at 425-441
(odd) Coldharbour Lane (Ref DC/92/2302 SW/18212).