The plans have been recommended for approval
A building which has been described as “excessively tall” could be built near a busy London train line. Plans for a 35-room aparthotel in Vauxhall have been recommended for approval, despite objections from some residents.
Based Central Limited has applied to Lambeth Council to redevelop land to the north of Salamanca Street, next to four railway arches which are part of Network Rail’s Waterloo viaduct. The proposals would involve demolishing a single storey storage building to deliver a six-storey building with bedrooms located at floors one to five.
The reprovision of a storage unit would be located at ground floor, while the sixth floor would provide an indoor and outdoor plan and a green roof with solar panels. The development would be car free.
Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee has been recommended to approve of the plans at a meeting next Tuesday (November 17). An aparthotel, short for apartmenthotel, combines apartment-style accommodation, including kitchen facilities, with the features of hotel services and amenities.
Aparthotel accommodation is designed for short and medium-term stays. As part of the proposals, each room would be around 18 sqm in size, and would include a kitchenette and an en-suite shower room. One wheelchair-accessible room plans to be provided at each floor level.
During the public consultation stage, the plans received 54 objections, nine supporting comments and two responses neither objecting or supporting the plans. Objectors raised concerns that there would be “no condition” limiting the length of stay at the apart hotel, however planning officers have said customers can stay for a maximum of three months.
Other objectors described the proposed building as “excessively tall, bulky and visually dominant” to its surroundings, including Pedlar’s Park. Others had concerns the development would block views from neighbouring properties.
Those in support said the proposal would make the area feel safer and would improve the appearance of the site.
In their conclusions, planning officers working for the council said the proposed building was of “high-quality design that would reflect the detailing of local historic buildings” while also remaining contemporary in style.
They said: “The development would result in the intensification of an under-used site through the provision of a new apart hotel use whilst also increasing the overall provision of light industrial/industrial storage use at ground floor.
“No material considerations have been identified that outweigh the merits of the proposal. Officers are therefore recommending that the application is approved.”
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